DEFRA Newsletter Number 5 below, which includes details relating to Pet Passports in event of a no deal, which will effect UK to EU travel.
Welcome to the fifth edition of Defra’s import and export newsletter. With just under three weeks to go until the 31st October Brexit deadline, it is now really important that you and your business are prepared and ready to continue importing and exporting goods after Brexit.The last week has seen a couple of key policy updates affecting exports, which will further help you and your business get ready for 31st October.Exports: EU approve UK’s application for third country listed statusDuring a meeting of the relevant EU committee last week, the UK’s listed status application for the export of live animals including equine, and products of animal origin, including meat and dairy was agreed.This means that exports can continue after Brexit in the event of a No Deal, by following the new process for exporting animals and products of animal origin to the EU after Brexit.This comes after the UK achieved the required animal health and biosecurity requirements. You can find more information about the announcement here.Exports: Guidance on composite goods We updated you on EHCs for multiple loads last week, and since then we have now updated on another key issue that businesses like yours have been asking about: composite goods. The requirements for composite goods vary depending on the product, so we have now published specific guidance on GOV.UK, to help you understand the requirements for your products in the event of a no deal.Podcasts on Importing and ExportingWe have created a series of Podcasts to help you Get Ready for Brexit, and the first on Importing and Exporting are now live on Soundcloud. You can listen to them here. Help us get your members or customers ready for BrexitAs you may have seen, Government are running a large-scale communications campaign to ensure that businesses like yours hear about the key changes they need to know about ahead of Brexit. However, we are asking for your help to reach your members or customers, by sharing and amplifying our social media messages. You can do this by sharing relevant content on Defra’s social media feeds –Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. For an example, the latest tweet is below:
Trade Association briefing sessions in OctoberAs mentioned last week, Defra has started running a small number of free briefing sessions across the UK to help key Trade Associations understand the requirements for moving animals, plants and related products after Brexit. Thanks to those who attended the London event last week, we will be in York and Bristol this week, with a further event in London next week.To Do list for this weekEach newsletter highlights a set of key actions to take that will help ensure you are prepared for 31 October. If they are relevant to you and you haven’t done so already, you need to make sure you do these as soon as possible.
- Importer? Register for IPAFFS – now that IPAFFS registration is live, use this week to register your businesses. Registration for IPAFFS is straightforward and open now. Full details on how to register can be found at www.gov.uk/ipaffs-registration. If you haven’t already, read our guidance for importers preparing for Brexit.
- Exporter? Have you got your EORI number? – HMRC has automatically allocated all VAT business an EORI number, but if you are not VAT-registered. Find out how to get an EORI number on GOV.UK
- Plant importer / exporter? There will be changes to the documentation required for moving plants after Brexit. Make sure you know the changes affecting the import and export of plants and plant products. You can find the information on GOV.UK.
- Got a question on wider export issues? The Government has set up a dedicated telephone service for traders and hauliers trading goods with the EU after 31 October 2019. The helpline will provide up-to-date guidance to help you prepare for Brexit, and can be contacted on 0300 3301 331,Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
We hope you find this newsletter useful.