With the threat of a no-deal Brexit looming on 29 March, organisations representing the entire agri food industry across Europe have called on EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier to prepare a transition period for customs and food trading rules.

In a letter signed by the secretary generals of Copa-Cogeca (farmers and co-ops), Celcaa (commodity traders) and FoodDrinkEurope (processors), the organisations call for "contingency plans" applicable to all food products traded between the EU and the UK.

'Pragmatic approach to enforcement'

Their request is centred on a period of at least 18 months from 30 March 2019 during which:

  • EU customs authorities would "promote a pragmatic approach to enforcement," effectively showing leniency for companies struggling with new customs requirements. There should also be a temporary window for procedures to be facilitated at companies' premises rather than at the border.
  • Allow existing labelling to be used while companies adapt to new labelling obligations.
  • Mutually recognise EU and UK hauliers' licences and regulations.

    • More permanently, the organisation also want the EU and the UK to "ensure mutual recognition of SPS certification [food safety and phytosanitary]", and continue co-operation to fight food fraud.

    The proposed contingency plans also include funding for farmers and companies as well as private storage aid to face the "market disruption that will occur in agricultural markets".

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