As the new Brexit secretary for the UK Dominic Raab meets with EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier for the first time, the EU has issued guidelines to member states that indicate what steps need to be taken in the event of a no-deal scenario.

The UK will become a third country in March 2019. In the absence of an agreement between the UK and the EU, strict food safety rules and border checks will kick in. These will apply to the UK the same as any other third country exporting to the EU.

“Physical infrastructures will have to be put in place to allow all movements of live animals and animal products (including foods of animal origin), and certain plants and plant products, to go through border inspection posts at seaports, at airports or at land,” the EU communication released on Thursday reads.

Joint effort

The news follows the Irish Government’s cabinet decision on Wednesday to hire 1,000 new customs officers and veterinary officials.

Preparing for the UK's withdrawal is not only the responsibility of the EU institutions, the commission said. It is a joint effort at EU, national and regional levels, and also includes, in particular, economic operators and other private parties.

The commission spokespersons were also asked about Mercosur negotiations at a press briefing on Thursday, which prompted a very limited response. It was confirmed that talks were still ongoing today and would likely conclude this round today, but no further information was released and an official statement is not expected from Commissioner Malmstrom.

With reporting from Phelim O'Neill.

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