Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Since the end of the Brexit transition period the UK has been implementing a phased approach to the introduction of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) import requirements to be applied to agrifood goods from EU. The first phase was introduced on 1 January 2021 with requirements for export certification for some products exported to Great Britain, such as live animals and some high-risk horticulture and forestry products.

The introduction of these controls for other agrifood goods was deferred a number of times in 2021, 2022 and 2023 by the UK Government. The last postponement was announced in August 2023 which saw export certification and border control requirements due to commence from 1 October 2023 deferred to January 2024.

From 31 January 2024 the following requirements will apply for exports to GB:

• Pre-notification of imports by GB importers on the UK’s SPS import system (IPAFFS) will apply to all Irish SPS goods exported to GB and via GB landbridge to EU.
• Export health certification must be provided for goods categorised as medium risk by the UK including meat products, dairy products such as infant formula and products made from raw milk, table eggs, animal feedingstuffs which include animal by-products

A date for the application of Border Control / entry controls at UK ports (identity and physical inspections) for Irish SPS goods moving to GB has not yet been confirmed by UK Government, however these controls will not commence before 31 October 2024 due to preparedness on the UK side at west coast ports. These border controls are due to commence for imports of agrifood goods from the rest of the EU on 30 April 2024.

My Department, as has been the case throughout the Brexit process, continues to support all stakeholders in Ireland-GB agrifood supply chains in preparing to meet these changes to the trading environment.

In respect of the changes which will now apply from 31 January my Department:

• carried out a comprehensive assessment of new UK requirements which has included the revision of certification business processes for each commodity, the development of updated standard operating procedures for certification based on new UK health certificate requirements and carried our detailed surveys of Irish Food Businesses (FBOs) to quantify certification requirements.
• is implementing a targeted communications plan focused on informing all stakeholders of the new UK requirements and timelines;
• is engaging with UK Authorities at technical and strategic level to get clarity on UK approach;
• is implementing a comprehensive staff resourcing plan to support export certification, this includes recruitment and redeployment of veterinary and technical resources;
• is providing detailed training programmes for certifying officers and food businesses;
• is investing in new IT infrastructure to support certification at food businesses around the country;
• will implement a programme of trials with Food Businesses on export certification process;
• is having ongoing detailed engagement via local veterinary supervisory teams with individual food businesses to ensure business processes are in place to deliver certification in the most efficient and sustainable manner.

All of these activities are focused on supporting Irish agrifood exporters in preparing for these significant changes and ensuring any disruption to trade is minimised. My Department will continue to monitor the impacts of these changes once they come into effect from 31 January and will continue to support Irish exporters in meeting any challenges which develop.