If negotiations between the EU and UK appear to be heading towards a no deal Brexit in October, Defra will begin an emergency recruitment drive, according to a recent report. The report by the Comptroller and Auditor General states that export health certificates are needed to accompany exports of animals and animal products, with each commodity and country requiring a unique certificate.

There are currently 1,400 versions of EU export health certificates and UK-equivalents of these would need to be agreed with 154 countries.

The report states: “If there is still a significant likelihood of no-deal in October 2018, Defra is planning to launch an emergency recruitment campaign to bring capacity at least part-way towards the minimum level required.