As a part of their campaign to get businesses Brexit ready, the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine in Ireland has released guidance urging businesses to undertake certain assessments and activities when importing or exporting plant/animal products. As per their latest publication, the guidance covers areas of supply change review, knowing specific requirements for plant and animal products (starting 1 January 2021) and certification requirements for traders conducting business with the UK.

They have outlined seven essential steps that need to be considered by traders operating in the agri-food sector:

1. Review your supply chain
2. Know the specific requirements for the commodity you are trading in
3. Decide how you will handle your regulatory requirements
4. Decide who is responsible for pre-notifications on TRACES (plant/animal product system)
5. Register with the relevant authority
6. Know the UK certification requirements for products that you export
7. Avail of Government Brexit programmes and supports

More information on the Government’s Brexit programmes and supports is available on gov.ie/brexit.