Brexit round-up – 15/01/21

Traders urged to ensure they are prepared for new requirements

Michael Gove has urged traders to ensure they are fully ready for the new export rules which are in force. Exporters are now required to provide documentation including export declarations and the extra certificates needed for products like plant and animal products to export goods to the EU and, as a result of COVID-19, hauliers heading to Kent must also get a negative Covid test and obtain a Kent Access Permit before heading to port. Businesses are being urged to ensure they are complying with the new rules and procedures to prevent delays and avoid fines. Failure to secure either a test or Kent Access Permit will mean the driver cannot cross the border and will be fined £300. Mr Gove said “We have always been clear there would be changes now that we are out of the customs union and single market, so full compliance with the new rules is vital to avoid disruption, and the best way to ensure readiness is to follow the guidance on gov.uk and use the ‘Check an HGV’ service.”

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Northern Ireland faces food supply issues post Brexit

Northern Ireland is facing a shortage on some food products as a result of new measures following the UK’s departure from the EU. Whilst Great Britain has now left the EU, Northern Ireland remains part of the EU’s single market for goods which means that food products entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain need to be professionally certified and are subject to new checks and controls at ports which are causing significant delays and disruption and leading to shortages in supermarkets. The chief executives of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Iceland, Co-Op and Marks & Spencer have written to Michael Gove requesting that “urgent intervention” is needed by the government to prevent further issues. The government said a new dedicated team has already been set up and will be working with supermarkets, the food industry and the Northern Ireland Executive to develop ways to streamline the movement of goods.

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Standard Contractual Clauses for personal data imports and exports to and from the UK: an update

Following the expiry of the transition period on 31 December 2020, the UK’s rules on transferring personal data outside the UK have changed. For personal data transfers to and from the EEA, the rules will continue as they were before 1 January 2021 until either (i) the European Commission adopts an adequacy decision in respect of the UK; or (ii) at the latest, six months from the date the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement came into force (i.e. 30 June 2021).

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If you have any questions about any of the issues which are raised, or would like to discuss your own organisation’s options during the Brexit process, please do not hesitate to get in touch.