Food business operators who export products to Britain have been urged to prepare for new health certification requirements that will be introduced by the UK Government on 1 April.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon said the new requirement poses a very significant challenge, and his Department will strive to ensure that all agri food businesses can continue to trade.

“My officials will continue to engage intensively with industry over the coming weeks to ensure that systems are in place to provide export health certification on the scale required.

“I am very conscious of the concerns of the meat and dairy industries in relation to the additional administrative burden that trading with Britain will bring.”

Customs delays

Ireland and the EU are now almost two months into a new permanent trading relationship with the UK, with Customs and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls a part of normal business.

To date, much lower import volumes than normal have been seen, both in overall terms and in respect of agri food goods which are subject to SPS controls.

Minister Heydon continued: “There have been issues with pre-notification and documentation that have led to some vehicles being delayed and some consignments being detained, until the issues could be resolved.

“The Department will continue to engage with operators as these issues arise.”

Contact

The Minister also took the opportunity to remind businesses that in addition to SPS requirements, they will have to comply with customs formalities.

Businesses can get in touch with the Department at brexitcall@agricuture.gov.ie or by phone at 076 106 4443, with any Brexit-related queries.

Detailed advice and resources are also available here.