New Rules for Food and Drink Businesses from January 2021

By Amanda

The UK has left the EU, and there will be new rules to follow from January 2021, but there are specific actions you can take now. On 1 January 2021, the UK will be leaving the EU single market and customs union, and the end of the transition period will affect citizens, businesses, as well as travel to and from the EU.

Here we set out the actions and information you may need as a food and drink business ahead of and after 1 January 2021.

Importing to Great Britain

Key action(s) you may need to take

  • Make sure you have a GB EORI number if you do not already have one: at GOV.UK/EORI
  • Check if your goods need an import licence/certificate. There will likely be additional documents/certificates that you will need to complete to import food and drink into GB at gov.uk/starting-to-import/import-licences-and-certificates
  • Check VAT guidance to understand your VAT responsibilities
  • Requirements on the UK side are only part of the process. Similar processes will have to be completed on the EU side for your goods to successfully move between the UK and EU from 1 January. There are further EU requirements based on the type of goods imported as detailed in the Border Operating Model
  • Traders importing standard goods will need to prepare for basic customs requirements and will have up to six months to submit customs declarations to HMRC
  • While tariffs will need to be paid on all imports from Day One, payments can be deferred until the customs declaration has been made, giving traders time to adjust to the new requirements. Safety and Security declarations will not be required for six months for all goods. Traders will, however, need to consider some other processes, such as how they will account for import VAT
  • Check that your EU exporter is sending the goods with the correct documentation to enter Great Britain
  • There are various actions all traders should take to prepare for the phasing in of importing customs controls

Product specific action(s) you may need to take

  • During 2021, there will be a requirement to pre-notify the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) for certain commodities that you are importing from the EU. You will need to pre-notify for each commodity in accordance with the phasing of import checks. To be able to pre-notify, you will need to register for the new Imports of Products Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS).
  • From 7 December 2020, all imports into Great Britain of: Animal By Products, Products of Animal Origin and High Risk Food/Feed not of Animal Origin, from Non-EU/Non-EEA countries, will need to be pre-notified on IPAFFS. To be able to pre-notify, you will need to register for the new Imports of Products Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS).
  • Businesses should check within their own supply chains about third country imports of High Risk Food Not Of Animal Origin (HRFNOAO), Products of Animal Origin (POAO) and Plants & Plant Products that currently transit through the EU and onwards to the UK, to ensure they are prepared for any actions they may need to take after 1 January 2021.
  • For EU imports from January 2021, there will be the requirement for pre-notification and phytosanitary certificates for ‘high priority’ plants and plant products, that is those which pose a high risk to GB biosecurity (primarily plants for planting and small number of other plants and plant products), and they will also be subject to checks. An exhaustive list of what will require a phytosanitary certificate and pre-notification of import from 1 January 2021 can be found on gov.uk
  • From 1 January 2021, a UK Certificate of Inspection (CoI) will be required for all organic products imported from the EU
  • From 1 April 2021, the requirement for pre-notification and phytosanitary certificates will be extended to include all regulated plants and plant products. Phytosanitary certificates should be issued by the country of origin from the relevant plant health competent authority. All regulated plants and plant products imported to England, Scotland or Wales from the EU must have phytosanitary certificates (PC)

Exporting from Great Britain to the European Union

From 1 January 2021, the rules for exporting some types of goods will change.

Key action(s) you may need to take

  • Check what export licences or certificates you need. For example, if your goods are high priority plants and plant products from the EU or are fish for human consumption
  • Check the marking, labelling and marketing standards for food and drink goods
  • Check the rules for exporting alcohol, tobacco and certain oils
  • Check whether a PC is required by contacting the plant health authority or a plant health inspector in the destination country
  • Apply for a PC from the relevant UK plant health authority before export
  • Check if your plants require laboratory testing of samples to ensure they are free from pests and diseases or inspections during the growing season – contact your local plant health inspector to find out if your plants need these tests before exporting
  • Check that your EU Importer has completed all of the relevant documentation, including pre-notifying for certain commodities on TRACES NT

Product specific action(s) you may need to take

Products of Animal Origin (POAO) exports:

  • To continue exporting animals and products of animal origin to the EU from 1 January 2021, you will need to ensure that you obtain and submit an Export Health Certificate (EHC) with all of your exports. To obtain an EHC you will need to find a certifying officer who can certify the compliance of your exports
  • To make the submission, you will need to register for the new Export Health Certificate Online system, find out more and register on gov.uk
  • You will also need to ensure that your goods enter the EU through an appropriate Border Control Post (appropriate BCP) in the EU country of entry, so that they can be checked.

Plant exports:

  • If you want to export a commodity that is subject to EU third country controls at the end of the transition period, you will need to follow the current process used by businesses wishing to export controlled commodities to third countries (countries outside the EU)
  • You will need to ensure that the commodity meets the EU’s plant health import requirements. The EU’s requirements are broadly the same as the UK’s current import controls on plants and plant products from third countries.
  • You will need to provide a phytosanitary certificate (PC) to accompany your consignment. In order to obtain a phytosanitary certificate, the operator will need to apply to the relevant plant health authority: the Animal and Plant Health Agency in England and Wales; the Scottish Government in Scotland; and for wood, wood products and bark only, the Forestry Commission in England, Wales and Scotland. The plant health services will check that the consignment meets the EU’s import requirements
  • Prior to export some commodities require laboratory testing of samples to ensure freedom from pests and diseases, while others may also require an inspection during the growing season in order to meet the EU’s third country requirements. Once they are satisfied that the commodity meets the EU’s requirements, they will issue a PC. You will need to pay a fee to the plant health authority for this service. Your consignment may be subject to checks at the EU border. Find out more at gov.uk

Organics:

  • To export organics goods to the EU or NI, an EU Certificate of Inspection (CoI) will be required. This must be completed electronically using the EU’s Trade Control and Expert System New Technology (TRACES NT) system

For businesses using hauliers/carriers:

  • In order to export goods to the EU, you or your customs-intermediary must also ensure that your hauliers or carriers have the correct information to accompany the goods that they are transporting

Labelling of Food and Drink Products

Key action(s) you may need to take

EU market:

  • If you are exporting food and drink products to the EU, you should check with your EU importer how the EU’s labelling requirements will affect your products
  • Food of animal origin placed on the EU market before 1 January 2021 can continue to circulate within the EU market without labelling changes. Food of animal origin placed on the EU market from 1 January 2021 will have to meet EU rules
  • Food of non-animal origin placed on either the UK or EU markets before 1 January 2021 can continue to circulate both in the EU and UK markets without labelling changes. Food of non-animal origin placed on the EU market from 1 January 2021 will have to meet EU rules
  • Pre-packaged food and caseins must have an EU or Northern Ireland (NI) address for the FBO, or an address of the EU or NI importer of the food on the packaging or food label
  • When sold on the EU27 market after 1 January 2021, food from GB must not be labelled as origin ‘EU’
  • From 1 January 2021, you should label food from NI as ‘UK(NI)’ or ‘United Kingdom (Northern Ireland)’ where EU law requires Member State
  • You must continue to use the European Community (EC) oval health and identification mark on products of animal origin (POAO) produced in the UK until 31 December 2020
  • From 1 January 2021, for POAO produced in the UK, you must use the new UK health and identification marks to clearly show the product has been subjected to strict health and welfare checks
  • From 1 January 2021, you must not use the EU Emblem on goods produced in Great Britain unless you have been authorised by the EU to do so

GB market:

  • From 1 October 2022, food from GB and sold on the GB market must not be labelled as ‘origin EU’. There are specific labelling rules for minced meat, beef and veal, honey blends, olive oil and fruit and vegetables
  • Until 30 September 2022, businesses will be able to use either a UK FBO (address of business responsible for the information about the food) address or EU address. Alternatively, an address of the importer into the EU or UK can be given. From 1 October 2022, labels will require a UK address for the GB market
  • For changes to labelling for NI markets, businesses will need to make the required changes for 1 January 2021, although the UK Government is seeking to agree a period of proportionate enforcement with the relevant authorities in Northern Ireland
  • You may label food from NI and sold in GB as ‘UK(NI)’, ‘United Kingdom (Northern Ireland)’ or ‘UK’
  • You must continue to use the European Community (EC) oval health and identification mark on products of animal origin (POAO) produced in the UK until 31 December 2020
  • From 1 January 2021, for POAO produced in the UK, you must use the new UK health and identification marks to clearly show the product has been subjected to strict health and welfare checks

NI market:

  • Goods sold in NI will continue to follow EU rules for labelling after 1 January 2021, but you may need to make some labelling changes. The UK Government recognises that businesses will need time to adapt to these new labelling rules. In line with previous rule changes for labelling, there will be a proportionate and risk-based enforcement approach for:
    • Identification marks
    • Food Business Operator (FBO) address requirements
    • ‘UK(NI)’ origin labelling requirements

This approach will be implemented in a way which supports businesses as they adapt to the requirements over time

  • From 1 January 2021, pre-packaged food or caseins sold in NI must include a NI or EU FBO address. If the FBO is not in NI or EU, include the address of your importer
  • From 1 January 2021, you should label food from and sold in NI as ‘UK(NI)’ or ‘United Kingdom (Northern Ireland)’ where EU law requires Member State
  • You must continue to use the European Community (EC) oval health and identification mark on products of animal origin (POAO) produced in the UK until 31 December 2020
  • From 1 January 2021, for POAO produced in the UK, you must use the new UK health and identification marks to clearly show the product has been subjected to strict health and welfare checks

Organic Food and Drink Products

How rules for producing, processing, labelling and trading organic food will change from 1 January 2021.

Key action(s) you may need to take

GB will recognise the EU as equivalent for the purpose of trade in organics until 31 December 2021.

  • You will still need to be certified by an approved UK organic control body if you process or import organic food for trade within the UK after the end of the transition period
  • If you are based in GB, you cannot export organic goods to the EU or NI and must not use the EU organic logo on any GB organic food or feed from 1 January 2021, unless either:
    • your control body is authorised by the EU to certify GB goods for export to the EU
    • GB and the EU agree to recognise each other’s standards (called equivalency)
  • You must now use UK/non-UK agriculture for the statement of agricultural origin and you can continue to use your UK organic control body logo and certification code on GB labels
  • If you are based in GB or exporting to GB, you will no longer use the EU’s Trade Control and Expert System New Technology (TRACES NT) when importing organic food and feed
  • You will use a manual GB organic import system until a new digital system is in place from 1 January 2021. To request the forms for the manual UK organic import system, contact your organic control body
  • If you are based in NI, you will continue to use the use the EU’s Trade Control and Expert System New Technology (TRACES NT) when importing organic food and feed

Geographical Indications

All UK products currently protected under the EU’s Geographical Indication (GI) schemes will continue to be protected under the new domestic schemes.

Key action(s) you may need to take

  • If you are a producer or retailer of a GI registered in England, Scotland or Wales, before the end of the transition period, you will have until 1 January 2024 to adopt the relevant UK logo on any product packaging or marketing materials
  • For producers of NI GIs, it will be optional to use the new UK GI logos and mandatory to continue using the EU logos

General Marketing Standards

Key action(s) you may need to take

Marketing standards inspections will continue after the end of the transition period, but will be managed to minimise delays at the border and disruption to trade flows.

If you export these products to the EU from 1 January 2021, you will need to meet the marketing standards requirements for third countries set out in the EU marketing standards regulations, until more information is available.

If you import these products to GB from the EU, the marketing standards requirements may change. They will be different for each product so check the specific guidance for the product you’re importing.

Goods being moved from GB to NI will have specific marketing standards certification and inspection requirements.

There will be no change to the marketing standards requirements for moving goods to GB from NI.

There will also be no changes to marketing standards requirements for goods moving from NI to the EU, and from the EU to NI.

Marketing Standards: Hops and Hops Products

Key action(s) you may need to take

  • Certification centres will still issue hops certificates for hops produced in GB from 1 January 2021
  • GB hops certification centres must remove all EU branding (including references to the EU and the EU emblem) from certificates from 1 January 2021. The form of the certificate and the process for getting a certificate will not change. The certification centre number will not change but it should be pre-fixed with ‘GB’ instead of ‘UK’. You must update certificates and official stamps
  • Hops imported into GB from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021 must be accompanied by one of the following documents:
    • EU Attestation of Equivalence issued by an authorised agency listed in Annex I of EC Regulation 1295/2008
    • EU certificate from EU Member States only, issued by an approved certification centre
  • All imports from a third country will require a GB Attestation of Equivalence from 1 July 2021
  • The process for GB Attestation of Equivalence requirements and listing will be published on GOV.UK in early 2021
  • There will be no change to the marketing standards requirements for importing hops to NI from the EU
  • You’ll need to comply with EU third country import requirements to export hops and hop products to the EU from 1 January 2021. This includes applying for an EU Attestation of Equivalence from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA)
  • There will be no change to the marketing standards requirements for moving hops to GB from NI
  • There will be no change to the marketing standards requirements for exporting hops to the EU from NI
  • Goods moving from GB to NI will be required to meet the import requirements applied by EU marketing standards regulations

Marketing Standards: Wine

Rules for wine importers, exporters, producers, retailers and distributors from 1 January 2021.

Key action(s) you may need to take

  • VI-1 certificates will not be required to import wine to GB from the EU from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021
  • There will be no change to the marketing standards requirements for importing wine into NI from the EU
  • VI-1 certificates will not be required to move wine to GB from NI
  • Consignments of wine exported from GB to the EU will be subject to EU third country requirements for wine, which include having an EU VI-1. You will need to apply for a VI-1 from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Guidance on how you can apply for an EU VI-1 will be published on GOV.UK when available
  • The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) are responsible for the inspection and registration of wine exporters. You’ll need to have registered with the FSA’s Wine Standards Team or with FSS before you apply to Defra for a VI-1
  • Goods moving from GB into NI will also be required to meet EU import marketing standards requirements
  • There will be no change to marketing standards requirements for exporting wine to the EU from NI. Businesses in NI will not be required to provide VI-1 documents for exports to the EU

Further information

Defra will be required to certify that the wine complies with EU regulations and has been produced using winemaking practices which are either or both of the following:

  • recommended and published by The International Organisation of Vine and Wine
  • authorised by the EU
    There are some situations where you do not need a VI-1 to export wine from GB to the EU. Check exemptions to the VI-1.
    There will be no change to the requirements for wine imported into the UK from a non-EU country from 1 January 2021 to 1 October 2021.

Marketing Standards: Eggs

Marketing standards for egg producers, manufacturers, retailers and distributors from 1 January 2021.

Key action(s) you may need to take

  • You can continue to import eggs into GB from the EU from 1 January 2021
  • There will be no change to the marketing standards requirements for importing eggs from the EU to NI
  • There is no change to the requirements for moving eggs from NI to GB
  • You cannot import eggs into GB from non-EU countries from 1 January 2021 until the equivalence of egg marketing standards is agreed
  • If you export eggs from GB to the EU from 1 January 2021 you should prepare for the third country import requirements in the EU marketing standards regulations
  • When exporting eggs and egg products, they should enter the EU via a Border Control Post (appropriate BCP), accompanied by a signed export health certificate

Further information

The UK has applied to the EU to carry out an assessment called an ‘evaluation of equivalence’ for egg marketing standards. Guidance on egg marking requirements will be published when the ‘equivalence’ decision is made.

The UK has also applied for EU third country listing for products of animal origin (POAO) to allow exports, including eggs, to continue to the EU.

Marketing Standards: Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

Key action(s) you may need to take

  • If you import fruit and vegetables from the EU into GB, marketing standards processes at UK borders will change from 1 January 2021
  • There are specific labelling rules for fruit and vegetables
  • You should prepare for the third country import requirements in the EU marketing standards regulations if you export fruit and vegetables from GB to the EU from 1 January 2021
  • There will be no change to the marketing standards requirements for importing fruit and vegetables to NI from the EU or for exporting fruit and vegetables from NI to the EU
  • There is no change to the requirements for moving fruit and vegetables to GB from NI
  • Fruit and vegetables moved from GB to NI will be required to enter via designated points of entry. The nature of checks and controls for those movements, and their frequency, is a matter for ongoing discussion between the UK and the EU
  • There will be no changes to existing UK marketing standards processes for:
    • importing fruit and vegetables directly from non-EU countries to the UK
    • exporting fruit and vegetables directly from the UK to non-EU countries
  • If you import fruit and vegetables into the UK from a non-EU country and a proportion of your consignment is re-exported to the EU, your consignment will need to undergo both import and export processes

Marketing Standards: Poultry Meat

Marketing standards for poultry meat producers, manufacturers, retailers and distributors from 1 January 2021.

Key action(s) you may need to take

  • If you export poultry meat to the EU from GB from 1 January 2021, you should prepare for the third country import requirements in the EU marketing standards regulations
  • GB exports bearing one or more farming or chilling method (optional indications) must have a poultry meat optional indications certificate from a GB competent authority from 1 January 2021. These poultry meat optional indications certificates will be issued by:
    • the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in England and Wales
    • the Scottish government in Scotland
  • For exports of poultry meat from GB to the EU, you will also need to get an export health certificate
  • Poultry meat, along with all products of animal origin, should enter the EU through a Border Control Post (appropriate BCP)
  • There will be no change to the requirements for exporting poultry meat to the EU from NI
  • Goods moving from GB to NI will also be required to meet EU import marketing standards requirements and will be required to enter via designated points of entry
  • Marketing standards for poultry meat imported into GB from the EU will not change straight away. EU poultry meat with farming or chilling methods will not need third country listing or an EU competent authority certificate until 1 January 2022
  • There will be no change to the requirements for importing poultry meat from the EU to NI
  • There will be no change to the requirements for moving poultry meat from NI to GB

Further information

In addition to following poultry meat marketing standards, you must also follow guidance for importing animal and animal products or exporting animals and animal products to the EU from 1 January 2021.

Marketing Standards: Hatching Eggs and Chicks

Marketing standards for hatching egg and chick producers, manufacturers, retailers and distributors from 1 January 2021.

Key action(s) you may need to take

  • If you’re importing hatching eggs and chicks to GB from the EU, there will be changes to the information you need to provide from 1 January 2021. Please see specific guidance on gov.uk for information on how to mark individual hatching eggs, packs of hatching eggs and packs of chicks, after 1 January 2021
  • There is no change to the requirements for moving hatching eggs and chicks to GB from NI
  • There will be no change to the requirements for importing hatching eggs and chicks from the EU to NI
  • If you export hatching eggs and chicks to the EU from 1 January 2021, you should prepare for the third country import requirements in the EU marketing standards regulations
  • There will be no change to the marketing standards requirements for exporting hatching eggs and chicks to the EU from NI
  • Goods moving from GB to NI will be subject to EU import marketing standards requirements
  • The EU will only accept GB exports of packs of chicks where the individual chicks are from the same sender and country of origin. Chicks must be packed by species, type and category of poultry. Each pack must contain one species, category and type of poultry from the same establishment. Please see specific guidance on gov.uk for information on how to mark individual hatching eggs, packs of hatching eggs and packs of chicks, after 1 January 2021

Further information

For hatching eggs and chicks from GB destined for non-EU countries that pass through the EU, read Exporting animals, animal products, fish and fishery products from 1 January 2021.

Marketing Standards: Beef and Veal

Marketing standards for veal and beef importers, exporters, producers, manufacturers, retailers and distributors from 1 January 2021.

Key action(s) you may need to take

  • In addition to following beef and veal marketing standards, you must also follow guidance for importing animals and animal products or exporting animals and animal products to the EU from 1 January 2021
  • The UK has applied to the EU to be listed as a third country to allow exports to the EU to continue from 1 January 2021. If the EU lists the UK, there will be no change to the process if you export beef and veal (from animals aged under 12 months at the time of slaughter) from GB to the EU
  • There will be no change to the marketing standards requirements for exporting beef and veal to the EU from NI
  • If the EU lists the UK as a third country, there will be no change to the process if you move beef and veal (from animals aged under 12 months at the time of slaughter) from GB to NI
  • You should continue to label beef and veal (from animals slaughtered under 12 months of age) exported to the EU after 1 January 2021, with one of the following:

• ‘age on slaughter: less than 8 months’
• ‘age on slaughter: from 8 to less than 12 months’ • category V
• category Z

  • There is no change to the requirements for moving beef and veal (from animals slaughtered under 12 months of age) to GB from NI
  • There will be no change to the marketing standards requirements for importing beef and veal from the EU to NI
  • From 1 January 2021, the EU will have to tell Defra who their competent authorities are for beef and veal labelling, and provide a list of approved establishments so businesses can continue to export beef and veal (from animals slaughtered at under 12 months of age) to GB from the EU
  • Inspections at processing plants in GB will check imported beef and veal complies with marketing standards
  • There will be no new certification rules for beef and veal imported to GB from the EU
  • You’ll need to follow new general certification rules for importing animals, animal products and high-risk food and feed not of animal origin from 1 January 2021
  • There are specific labelling rules for beef and veal

Compositional Standards: Labelling of Honey Blends in England

The rules around labelling honey blends placed on the UK market will change after the end of the transition period.

Key action(s) you may need to take

  • If you place honey on the UK market before 1 January 2021, it can stay on the market using the current origin wording (‘blend of EU honeys’, ‘blend of non-EU honeys’ or ‘blend of EU and non-EU honeys’) if the label was accurate
  • From 1 January 2021, if you place a blend of honeys from different countries in England and Wales you must use the wording ‘blend of honeys from more than one country’, or similar wording, or continue to use ‘blend of EU honeys’, ‘blend of non-EU honeys’ or ‘blend of EU and non-EU honeys’ until 30 September 2022. If you continue to use EU terms, you must ensure your label is accurate
  • From 1 October 2022 you must use ‘blend of honeys from more than one country’ (or similar wording) if you decide not to list each country of origin
  • From 1 January 2021, if you place a blend of honeys from different countries in the NI market you must use the terms ‘blend of EU honeys’, ‘blend of non-EU honeys’ or ‘blend of EU and non-EU honeys’ and accurately reflect that GB honey is no longer EU honey

Compositional Standards: Natural Mineral Water

There will be changes to how natural mineral water (NMW) is traded between the EU and UK from 1 January 2021.

Key guidance and actions

  • From 1 January 2021, the EU may no longer recognise natural mineral waters produced in the UK. You should be prepared to apply for recognition of your water through an EU member state as a third country NMW
  • EU/EEA NMW will continue to be recognised in the UK until at least 1 July 2021. During that period EU/EEA NMW producers can continue to sell their natural mineral water in the UK

Fertilisers

Key action(s) you may need to take

• Most of the existing standards and rules that apply to manufacturing, importing and marketing fertilisers in the UK will stay the same

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Key action(s) you may need to take

  • All EU marketing authorisations for GMOs that are in force on 1 January 2021 will continue to apply in the UK until they expire. Find details of the EU authorised GMOs on the GMO register
  • You must get approval before you market GMOs for environmental release
  • You’ll need separate authorisation from each of the UK competent authorities that are responsible for the countries in which you intend to market the GMO
  • You’ll only be able to export GMO products for commercial release into the EU environment if they are approved for marketing in the EU
  • You’ll only be able to import GMOs for release into the UK environment if they’re approved for marketing in the UK

Further information

The current controls on the environmental release of GMOs will apply from 1 January 2021. They will be implemented by the competent authorities in the UK.

There will be no changes to the rules on exporting GMOs from the UK for environmental release in non-EU countries.

Wood Packaging

Key action(s) you may need to take

  • From 1 January 2021 all wood packaging material (WPM) moving between the UK and the EU must meet ISPM15 international standards by undergoing heat treatment and marking. All WPM may be subject to official checks either upon or after entry to the EU
  • Contact your supplier or TIMCON if you need more advice about moving WPM from 1 January 2021

Further information

Wood packaging material (WPM) moving between the UK and the rest of the EU can currently move freely without checks or controls.

WPM includes:

  • pallets
  • crates
  • boxes
  • cable drums
  • spools
  • dunnage

Checks on WPM will continue to be carried out in the UK on a risk-targeted basis only. The plant health risk from WPM imported from the EU is not expected to change from 1 January 2021.

Exporting Fish for Human Consumption

Key action(s) you may need to take

To export fish to the EU after 1 January 2021, you’ll need to follow the same rules that are currently in place for exports of fish to some non-EU countries.

You’ll need to create:

  • an Export Health Certificate, except for direct landings of fresh fish in EU ports from UK-flagged fishing vessels
  • a UK catch certificate – you then need to validate this and send it to your importer

You may also need:

  • direct landing documents (see further information on GOV.UK)
  • a storage document if your product has been stored
  • a processing statement if your product has been processed

Further information

Some fish and shellfish are excluded from the definition of ‘fishery products’ and do not need a UK catch certificate for export. Please see further guidance on GOV.UK to see if your product(s) are excluded.

To create a catch certificate, you’ll need to register on the Fish Export Service. You’ll need a separate catch certificate for each export.

You must also send your catch certificate to your importer ahead of time. This must be done for exports by:

  • sea: 72 hours before landing
  • air and rail: 4 hours before arriving
  • road: 2 hours before arriving

Seasonal Workers

EU citizens can continue to come to the UK for work in 2020, this includes for seasonal work on farms and in food businesses.

UK farms and food businesses will continue to be able to recruit EU nationals for work in 2020, before the introduction of a new points-based immigration system, built around the skills and talent people have – not where they are from, from January 2021.

Now that we have left the EU, in the short-term, EEA and Swiss citizens moving to the UK will still be able to start work and study under broadly the same arrangements as previously.

To remain in the UK from 1 January 2021, EU citizens will need to have a UK immigration status. For those residents here before the end of 2020, this may be under the EU Settlement Scheme (the deadline for applications under the EU Settlement Scheme is 30 June 2021) or, for those arriving from January 2021, they may have successfully applied under the new arrangements of the UK’s points-based immigration system.