Imports during the transition period

On the 31 January, the UK will leave the EU and enter into a transition period until the end of 2020. During this time, businesses will be able to trade with the EU on the same terms as they do now. There are no immediate changes that will come into effect from 31 January that you need to prepare for. 

Smarter Rules for Safer Foods - changes for importers of animals and products of animal origin:

While you will continue to import as now during the transition period, you should also be aware that EU are making changes to the pre-notification system. We contacted you before Christmas to inform you that TRACES Classic will shortly be switched off, and asked you to register and be ready to use TRACES NT - the new EU pre-notification system – to pre-notify of relevant goods when the switchover happens. More information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-animal-and-plant-health-safety-rules-coming-into-force-in-december.

We will be in contact with further information throughout the transition period.

If you have any specific queries, please contact us at agrifoodchainengagement@defra.gov.uk.