The EU – UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) came into effect on 1st January 2021 and creates a new framework for the future EU-UK relationship based on tariff-free and quota-free trading arrangements.
Now that the UK is outside the Single Market and Customs Union, it is setting its own import policy, including in relation to controls on imports from the EU. The next phase of these controls comes into effect from 1st October 2021. Export health certificates will be required to accompany consignments of animal origin, and pre-notification to the UK authorities will be necessary. This means that new customs, sanitary and phytosanitary, and other regulatory requirements will have to be met by businesses moving goods to and through Great Britain.
The Department has invested significantly in developing systems to support the post-Brexit trading reality, and in putting resources in place to support this work. The Department does not ordinarily have a permanent veterinary presence in plants producing composite products, such as the one referred to in the question. However, recognising the volume of consignments coming from this premises, the Department has placed a permanent veterinary presence in the plant. In addition, officials from the Department have involved the company in certification trials, and have had separate discussions with it regarding certification arrangements.
It should also be noted that this company, and others in the industry, have a role to play in minimising the administrative burden through appropriate measures, for example, by consolidating loads, by increasing onsite storage and by making the necessary adjustments to logistical and supply chain operations.
The seamless trading arrangements that existed previously no longer apply. It is no longer business as usual. Government will play its part in facilitating industry to the maximum extent possible, but industry itself must also be prepared to adapt.
