Preparing for Brexit: Food and drink labelling and importing and exporting goods after the UK’s exit from the EU

The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, when it entered into a transition period. The transition period ends on 31 December 2020, so from 1 January 2021 new rules will be introduced which affect aspects such as exporting products from the UK, importing goods into the UK and food labelling.

The UK Government are now frequently publishing and updating guidance pertinent to the food/drink and related industries. Updates have been made with reference to a proposed 21-month ‘period of adjustment’ for products sold in GB and reflects that some required labelling changes for goods sold in GB will be subject to a 21-month period of adjustment, i.e. until 30 September 2022. It should be noted that the ‘period of adjustment’ is subject to agreement with devolved administrations and Parliamentary process. Goods sold in Northern Ireland will continue to follow EU rules for labelling, but some labelling changes may be required.

Government guidance is available on areas such as:-

• Exporting to the EU
• Food Business Operator (FBO) Address
• EU Organic Logo
• EU Health and Identification Mark
• Country of Origin Labels
• Goods Sold in Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI)

Campden BRI can help you navigate the Government advice and find the information which is specific to your food business operation. We can also provide a label review service for checking labels for both the EU harmonised market and UK domestic market to ensure compliance beyond the end of 2020.

Contact: Our regulatory team
regulatoryadvice@campdenbri.co.uk