Brexit transition Q&As - Import and export of fish

Brexit transition questions and answers related to import and export of fish

Is there a plan for the GEFS system to be updated to remove the need for attestations to be certified by OV’s for movement of fish? Many suppliers cannot secure the services of an OV each 30 days.

If you are moving fish from NI there is an option on the DAERA system to allow you to select an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) working in your Local Authority Council Office.

Can product “placed on the market” (i.e. purchased and stored in NI) before Jan 1st which carries EU/EC health or identification marks be exported from NI to Rest of the World countries post Dec 31st?

Yes, can be re-exported to Rest of World (ROW).

Imported POAO (shellfish) from GB to NI that has successfully passed BCP inspection and customs, but is then found to be rejected on quality grounds once physically inspected at our factory, what is the process for returning the goods to GB?

If quality issues then can be returned as part of commercial contract between the businesses. Certification not required.

If food safety issues then it may have to be detained and disposed of in NI.

Where a "Hub approach" exists for GB to NI fishery exports from Jan 1st, can subsequent collections be made on route to the BCP after the "Hub consignment" groupage consolidation has taken place?

This is an issue for the GB exporter to discuss with their certifiers. Valid Export Health Certification must be obtained for all product on the load and the absolute minimum requirement for pre-notification of 4 hours can only be used in exceptional circumstances.

What will the requirements be, from 1st January 2021, for Oyster seed products sourced in the EU, grown in NI and exported back to the EU?

Trade in live aquaculture goods (Imports and Exports) between Northern Ireland and the EU Member States (including ROI), will continue unaffected, with no change at the border, no new paperwork, and no tariffs or regulatory checks. This trade will continue to use current Intratrade (internal EU) Export Health Certificates (EHCs).
NI will continue to have access to EU's online TRACES system (for imports and exports) as an EU entity, therefore for Day 1, you should ensure you are registered to use TRACES NT.

Do fish exports to EU need to be accompanied by catch certificates?

No Catch Certificates are required for trade with the EU for products originating in NI.  Where fish/fishery products stay within the EU regulatory zone, trade in goods (Imports and Exports) between Northern Ireland and the EU Member States (including ROI) will continue unaffected, with no change at the border, no new paperwork and no tariffs or regulatory checks

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