Traders urged to register now to export animals and animal products 

When exporting animals and animal products from Great Britain to the EU from 2 January 2021, traders will require an Export Health Certificate (EHC). Traders can now register for the online service now.

The EHC service can be used to:

• apply for an export health certificate;
• copy existing applications;
• apply for blocks of certificates;
• apply for multiple certificates in a single application;
• see the status of your application.

For more information and see how to register, click here.

Groupage Export Facilitation Scheme for animal products

From 1 January 2021, exporters and their suppliers will be able to make use of the Groupage Export Facilitation Scheme (GEFS) to trade multiple products within one shipment. The idea is to ensure the continuation of trade without significant delays. This briefing note sets out the main details of the GEFS, which products can be exported, how to be a member of the GEFS and what type of inspections will take place.

Horses and other equines

Government announces launch of new Movement Assistance Scheme

The Government has announced a new scheme, the Movement Assistance Scheme (MAS) for moving animals, plants and associated products from Great Britain to Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021.
 
The MAS sets out advice for businesses through a dedicated helpline. It also means that traders will not need to pay certification costs, which will be reimbursed by government to those certifying the products. The aim is to make it easier for traders to continue to move agri-food goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

For further information on the scheme click here 

End of transition will mean major change for trading timber

Organic trade after transition

When the transition period ends on 31 December with the EU, there will be a series of significant changes for organic producers, particularly those that export organic food and feed to the EU. This briefing note sets out those changes as well as the implications for organic businesses.

Plant variety rights and marketing

Imports after transition: plants and plant products

Exports after transition: plants and plant products

Horticulture

Protected food names

There are a number of UK food products that have benefitted from the EU’s protected names scheme for geographic indications. Examples include Melton Mowbray pork pies and Welsh lamb. However, with the end of the transition period the UK is to introduce its own geographic indications scheme. This briefing note sets out the position for those products already registered in the EU and how new products can be registered in the UK.

Defra updates rules on organic food and feed trade after transition

Exporting Animals and Animal Products

With the end of the transition period between the UK and the EU on 31 December 2020, the process through which UK exporters trade with the EU will significantly change. Even in the event of a deal with the EU, substantial change is about to take place because the UK is leaving the EU Single Market and the Common Customs Union. This briefing note sets out those changes and highlights areas members will need to be aware.

Food labelling and composition: natural mineral water

UK-EU negotiations remain on knife-edge

New plans announced to speed up trade after transition

Documentation and Registration Requirements: What is needed and when it should be received

UK Global Tariffs

The impact and extent of the UK Global Tariff very much depends on whether there is a trade deal between the UK and EU at the end of the transition period. If there is no deal, the UK Global Tariff will be placed on imports from the EU and non-EU countries (unless the UK has a trade agreement with a particular country) and the EU will impose tariffs on UK exports to the EU. This briefing outlines the UK Global Tariff and the rate of tariff importers will need to apply on imports after 31 December 2020.

EU chief negotiator in London as trade talks reach the final stretch

Haulage and transit

Export Health Certificates (EHC)

The way exporters trade with the EU will change from 1 January 2021. This includes the need for the correct documentation. This briefing note sets out how to apply for an Export Health Certificate when exporting animals and animal products to EU and non-EU countries and can be downloaded here.

Importing and exporting timber and timber products

Labour and employment

Documentation and Registration Requirements: What is needed and when it should be received

Fertiliser changes

UK and France resume cross border trade

The French Government has agreed to reopen the border with the UK, following the rapid increase in cases of Covid-19 in Britain. This follows two days of major disruption to the agrifood supply chain with increasing numbers of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) being unable to travel to and from France.

Government extends Seasonal Workers Scheme

The Government is to allow up to 30,000 seasonal workers into the UK in 2021 as part of an extension to the existing Seasonal Workers Scheme. 

 Government allocates £20 million for new SME Brexit support fund

The Government has set up a new £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund to help small businesses adjust to new customs procedures, rules of origin, and VAT rules when trading with the EU. The fund offers up to £2,000 for business with up to 500 employees, and no more than £100 million annual turnover who trade with the EU. 

In order to be eligible the business must:

• be established in the UK;

• have been established in the UK for at least 12 months before submitting the application, or currently hold Authorised Economic Operator status;

• not have previously failed to meet its tax or customs obligations;

• have no more than 500 employees;

• have no more than £100 million turnover;

• import or export goods between Great Britain and the EU, or moves goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Businesses can use the grant for training on:

• how to complete customs declarations;

• how to manage customs processes and use customs software and systems;

• specific import and export related aspects including VAT, excise and rules of origin;

• professional advice so the business can meet its customs, excise, import VAT or safety and security declaration requirements.

More details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/grants-to-help-small-and-medium-sized-businesses-new-to-importing-or-exporting

The fund is not yet ready for applications. When it opens, further information will be circulated on the CLA Brexit Hub.