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Update for businesses moving agri-food goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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Update for businesses moving agri-food goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland

We have been provided an update by the Northern Ireland Competent Authority (NICA) on the recent NI-GB Food Supply Chain Forum held on the 4 January.

The NI-GB Food Supply Chain Forum is for all businesses within the agri-food supply chain who are moving goods between GB and NI. The Forum broadcasts fortnightly updates on specific Windsor Framework related, cross-cutting and operational updates relevant to the GB-NI food supply chain. During the Forum, businesses will hear from a range of Government speakers on issues pertaining to GB-NI trade. Businesses can join the forum by contacting NIGBFoodSupplyChainForum@defra.gov.uk.

 

Key points from 4th January forum:  

 

Transitional Labelling Financial Assistance Scheme

The Transitional Labelling Financial Assistance Scheme has now been published to help Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS) registered traders. Further information is available on the following link NIRMS Transitional Labelling Financial Assistance Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Scheme is now open for applications and closes on 15 March 2024. Defra will be running support sessions throughout the application window. An Eventbrite link to register for these sessions will be shared directly with NIRMS registered traders.

If you are not an NIRMS registered trader, you can register via this webpage Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme: how to register and seal consignments - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Defra strongly encourages eligible businesses to act quickly in making grant applications as grants will only cover costs incurred from the date of the Windsor Framework announcement, up until 28 February 2024. Businesses will be able to apply for up to 75% of their additional costs in complying with the labelling requirements, with a cap in place on the value of grants paid.

Please contact Defra at traders@defra.gov.uk with any other queries on the Windsor Framework.

Note: The government website indicates that the funding covers costs taken to prepare for phase 1 of the labelling requirements that have been required from 1 October 2023. Phase 1 are products that need individual product labels from 1 October 2023- all prepacked meat, prepacked meat products, meat packed on sales premises and some dairy products using this scheme. You can find further details on Defra’s website. 

 

Biosecurity Borders and Trade Programme (BBTP)

Defra has published a list of countries (including those not using the TRACES system), that can provide validated PDF certificates for imports of live animals and animal products along with general guidance on import. Countries Great Britain will accept validated PDF GB health certificates from - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Groupage Export Facilitation Scheme (GEFS) has been extended to 31 December 2025 to continue exports to the EU and movements to Northern Ireland of low-risk products. GEFS is for exporters and suppliers who export multiple products (known as groupage exports) of animal origin from GB to, or through, the EU. If you are not already using GEFS, please check your eligibility and register on gov.uk. Groupage export facilitation scheme: application - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

If you have any questions about the Groupage Export Facilitation Scheme, please contact: gefsteam@apha.gov.uk

 

Webinars

Find details of Defra’s previous engagement/webinars 

Previous sessions can also be accessed on demand.

 

Common Health Entry Document Operator Portal (CHOP) – Rollout to seafood sector

Daera (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Northern Ireland) are running a webinar regarding the rollout of CHOP to the seafood sector. You can register for the webinar by providing your details to daerafisheriestransition@daera-ni.gov.uk

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/common-health-entry-document-operator-portal-chop-registration-process.

 

Daera Enforcement Timeline

Retailer Spot Inspections started on the 1st of January, Triangular Trade changes started on the 15th of January and ROW produce enforcement will be implemented from 1st February. Individual Package level labelling of Phase 1 goods required from the 1st of March.

 

HMRC   

Arrangements giving effect to the Windsor Framework can be found on the Windsor Framework Landing Page .If you have any further questions, please email: nistakeholderengagementteam@hmrc.gov.uk.

 

Trader Support Service (TSS) update from NICA

NICA has also provided details of the various Trader Support Service (TSS) that are available: