Trade imports/exports - Brexit Q&A
You can use the menu on the right hand side of the screen to skip between questions. Last updated on 13 Sept 2019
The content on this site is correct as of today's date and is based on the information available at this time. Regular updates will be made as the Brexit process develops. Please continue to check back for updates.
What impact will a No Deal Brexit have on UK export trade?
As a member of the EU, the UK can trade with countries within the EU without having to pay tariffs or apply other customs procedures and regulatory checks. If there is a no-deal exit this changes and all of these will apply.
For non-EU exports, currently the UK has access to EU trade deals with some countries. These provide lower or zero tariffs and a reduced level of regulatory checks. The UK is working on rolling over the existing EU trade agreements to apply on exit.
To find the latest information on exporting in a No Deal:
- Exporting after Brexit if there’s no deal – country by country
- UK trade agreements with non-EU countries in a no-deal Brexit
For firms that export to EU countries, they will need to take additional steps to trade in a No Deal. Gov.uk provides a checker that firms can use to see what they need to do:
In the longer term, the future trading relationship with the EU will depend on the outcome of negotiations on the Future Economic Partnership between the UK and EU.
What impact will a No Deal Brexit have on UK import trade?
In a No Deal Brexit, the UK temporary tariff schedule will apply to all countries (both EU and non-EU) importing goods to the UK. Most tariff rates will be set to zero. For the lines not set to zero, full details of the tariffs and TRQs that will be put in place can be found:
The UK temporary import tariff would not apply to goods crossing from Ireland into Northern Ireland. Full details can be found:
What other areas do businesses need to be aware of trading in a No Deal Brexit?
Why is trade so important to the NI agri-food industry?
The Agri-food sector (comprising agriculture, fisheries, and food and drinks processing) plays a significant role in NI’s economy. In NI the sector represents a much more important component of the regional economy than is the case for the UK as a whole.
In 2017, 26% of sales in the food and drinks processing sector were exported outside of the UK, (compared with 11% for the UK as a whole). Some sectors are more reliant on export sales than others (for example, 39% of dairy processing sales and 37% of fish processing sales are exports). Total exports of the NI agri-food sector (edible and non-edible exports combined) are worth over £1.5 billion per annum. Compared with the UK as a whole, NI has a much heavier reliance on, and exposure to, international markets.
What role does DAERA have in trade policy?
The responsibility for international trade policy rests with the Department for International Trade (DIT), as it is a reserved matter. Defra leads on matters relating to products of animal origin.
DAERA acknowledges that trade negotiations are a reserved matter but there are many aspects that have a devolved interest. In agriculture the level of tariffs and tariff rate quotas set have the potential to have a major impact on the NI agriculture sector as they will largely determine the quantity of imports which NI producers will have to compete with and also the export opportunities available for the sector.
DAERA is continuing to work closely with both Defra and DIT (through the Department for Economy) on a range of trade issues.
At present, DAFM requires 5 days’ notice of (animal) feed crossing border. Post-Brexit they have stated that the requirement would be reduced to 24 hours’ notice. Is that an EU requirement as the product does not need to go through Border Inspection Post (BIP) or a requirement under EU official controls listed in directives or regulations, or a member state requirement?
DAERA understands that the 5 day prior notification for animal feed is provided for under DAFM national measures for the implementation of feed safety and is outlined in Regulation 7 of SI 432 of 2009 which states:
Notice of import of feed
7. (1) A person shall not bring an animal feed into the State unless he or she has given notice to the Minister, in a form approved by the Minister, at least 5 working days before the animal feed is brought into the State, of—
(a) the nature and quantity of animal feed,
(b) the place where it is intended to bring the animal feed into the State,
(c) the date and time that the animal feed is to be brought into the State,
and the animal feed is brought into the State in accordance with the notice
EC Regulation 882/2004 details requirements for official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law.
Articles 15 and 16 of this regulation refer to official controls and checks on feed of non-animal origin, and Article 17 deals with pre-notification requirements.
Further information on feed imports into The Republic of Ireland and contact details for queries can be found at the following link: