UK

Veterinary checks raise concerns before Brexit

Safety & Legislation

Currently, the meat that enters or exits the UK is not subject to border controls but that could represent a problem after the UK separation from EU.

Posted on Sep 13 ,14:15

Veterinary checks are going to be necessary for a post-Brexit era if the United Kingdom doesn't get a Free Trade Accord with the EU. Currently, there are no veterinary checks on product traded within the EU. Trucks drive through the Channel tunnel, roll-off ferries and cross
land borders without having to stop for checks to take place,  as the International Meat Trade Association (IMTA) mentioned in a public document recently released.
The advantage of a single market it will be lost in a couple of years after Brexit and that could create real problems for meat traders as a deal on customs with the EU will not negate the need for veterinary checks, nor would a customs union or EEA style deal without the agreement of regulatory equivalence.
At this moment, ports of Calais and Dover do not have Border Inspection Posts (BIP) open and the situation is similar on the Northern Ireland-Ireland border where are 250 crossing points. Any disruption of existing trade routes will increase costs for business and ultimately consumers.
Also, costs for the inspection will be supported by the importing companies, warns IMTA. At the same time, delays registered in veterinary checks may limit the volume of fresh meat products imported in the Kingdom. "Importers or exporters could miss their delivery slot with their client, have to pay demurrage and lose shelf life of a product. From slaughter, fresh poultry meat only has a 14-day shelf life and any loss of shelf life due to the imposition of veterinary checks would have significant financial implications for businesses", according to IMTA.
Physical checks imposed by the EU regulation has a frequency of 20% for beef, lamb and pork and of 50% for poultry.

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