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The latest batch of no-deal Brexit planning papers have been released by the British government and come with a warning that the export of live animals and livestock products to the EU could face a “cliff edge” scenario if no agreement is reached.
While all agri sectors would be potentially hit, the most immediate concern would be for the sheep sector, given that around half of lambs produced in NI head south for slaughter. Without a deal, export health certificates would be required and animals would need to travel through a border inspection post.
However, the EU process would also require the UK to be a listed third country, a process that could take months.
“The UK would apply for this status, but cannot be certain of the EU response or its timing. Without listed status no exports to the EU could take place,” the government paper reads.
The other factor likely to determine whether trade takes place is possible tariff barriers. With an EU tariff on live lambs of €80.50 per 100kg, it would effectively stop trade in any case.
Imports
A separate technical paper deals with imports into the UK. It indicates that the British government would maintain recognition of EU standards on products such as meat, dairy and vegetables, and therefore continue to accept agricultural imports from EU countries under a no-deal scenario.
“There would be no change on the day the UK leaves the EU to current import controls or requirements for notifications of imports of live animals and animal products for imports direct from the EU,” the paper states.
Range
The series of technical papers cover a range of issues from pet travel, food labelling through to veterinary medicines. On plants and plant products, the UK position is similar to livestock, with the British government stating that consignments from the EU will not be stopped at the border.
Despite all this, if the UK adopts the EU tariff schedule on imported goods after Brexit, it will inevitably disrupt trade.
It should be noted that all the UK planning papers start with the same blurb – that a no-deal scenario is unlikely and negotiations are progressing well.
Reaction
Commenting on the latest set of planning papers, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) said it confirmed that a no-deal Brexit would be catastrophic for British agriculture.
According to the NFU, the process of being listed as a third country approved to export to the EU could take a minimum of six months.
“A scenario where farmers face an immediate trade embargo for many of their products would have devastating effects, and would severely threaten livelihoods and businesses.
“We urge everyone in the negotiations to work to achieve a deal that delivers free and frictionless trade between the UK and the EU,” said NFU president Minette Batters.
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