Jonathan English, Global Graduate, Bord Bia – The Irish Food Board
Gove addresses the reality of customs declarations and checks from the 1st January 2021
The UK’s Provision Trade Fedeation (PTF) this week released a statement that they are seeking further clarification as a matter of urgency after Michael Gove delivered a message to a meeting of the Border Delivery Group stating that at the end of the year the UK would be outside the single market and the customs union, with the inevitable result that checks and controls would have to be applied to all goods crossing UK borders from that point – although separate (unspecified) measures would apply to trade between GB and Northern Ireland and between Northern Ireland and Ireland.
This will mean that traders in the EU and GB will have to submit customs declarations and be liable to a range of other checks at the border, including SPS and food safety. There will be no phasing in or other “policy easements” as the Government believes that businesses will now have sufficient time to prepare.
FDF meet Government Officials
On Wednesday the 12th of February, Food and Drink Federation (FDF) hosted an event in the House of Commons in front of over 50 MPs about what must be resolved to secure as smooth an exit as possible from the EU and to protect the longer-term competitiveness of UK manufacturing. A comprehensive trade deal with the EU remains FDF’s number one trade priority. In all trade negotiations, it is of absolute importance that the FDF prioritise the quality and choice of UK food and drink, ensuring that consumer confidence is not undermined. A zero-tariff deal may be the aim of both the EU and UK, but rules of origin must be at the forefront of the discussions
Sajid Javid resigns as UK chancellor of the exchequer
In other news, Sajid Javid resigned as UK chancellor of the exchequer on Thursday which is not perfect timing as the UK has its Budget on the 11th of March. Javid’s departure is not the first in Boris Johnson’s government reshuffle which also saw the replacement of Theresa Villiers with George Eustace in DEFRA. Mr. Javid will be replaced by Treasury minister Rishi Sunak. More information can be found here.
Brexit: Is your Business Custom Ready?
The UK has left the European Union. It is strongly advised that Bord Bia clients doing business with the UK attend Customs Readiness Training.
We have developed this half-day programme with experts BDO to address key challenges as highlighted in the Brexit Barometer 2019 findings. Please note that attendance is required at both sessions and will be followed by a bespoke one-to-one consultation with BDO to discuss your business’s Brexit priorities.
The next training is taking place in the Bord Bia Dublin on Thursday the 12th and Wednesday the 25th of March. from 09.00 to 14.00.
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