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Food and agribusinesses of all sizes have been urged to complete their preparations for Brexit to ensure they are ready for new rules and processes which will apply to trade from 1 January.
Speaking from Ornua’s headquarters on Wednesday evening, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said in less than a month, the UK will be outside the EU’s single market and customs union.
Regulatory requirements
“This means that, regardless of the outcome of the current EU-UK negotiations, from 1 January, customs and regulatory requirements will apply to businesses that trade with and through Great Britain, resulting in additional time and costs compared with trade today,” the Minister warned.
“Businesses need to be ready for this new reality. In particular, agri food businesses should register with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine if they import goods from the UK, and operators responsible for consignments should register for use of the EU’s TRACES system.
“Exporters should also register with the Department to access its online export certification system.”
Direct routes
Minister McConalogue welcomed increased capacity on direct routes to the continent and encouraged operators to switch now to these routes.
It is anticipated that the UK landbridge will be subject to severe delays after the end of the transition period.
“Time is very short and action is required urgently. I am urging food and agribusinesses to engage with my Department through our dedicated help line, 076-106 4443, and to access the resources and supports available on gov.ie/agriculture.”
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