Digitized health certificates for fish and chilled food exports to EU ditched by Defra

10 Aug 2023 ---The UK government has abruptly ended a trial system that was meant to digitize the export health certificates required for all fish and chilled food being exported to Europe. The post-Brexit paperwork scheme has been brought “to a close” by the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

The new digital system was expected to save time and millions in paperwork. But Defra has told companies taking part in the pilot scheme since September 2021 that the project will end, without mentioning plans for a replacement initiative.

“While moving to a fully digital service for export health certificates remains our ambition, we are planning to bring the current exercise to a close,” says Defra.

UK salmon exports accounted for £578 million (US$737.85 million) in 2022, according to the country’s customs authorities. 

Did Brexit simplify things?
Export health certificates are one of the several non-tariff barriers that have emerged due to Brexit, which ended the UK’s participation in the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union on January 1, 2023. Since then, UK exporters have faced additional checks, controls and regulations when trading with EU countries, which have caused disruptions, delays and losses for many sectors.

UK fish have been subject to checks and controls in France and will continue to do so without an electronic checks scheme in place.

UK fish have been subject to checks and controls in France and will continue to do so without an electronic checks scheme in place.Meanwhile, import checks for European produce arriving in the UK have not been as strict, so far. In June, Defra announced a draft strategy that would impose a charge for every consignment entering the country from the EU. According to the Fresh Produce Consortium, importers won’t be able to absorb the additional costs, which will need to be passed to consumers, fueling food inflation.

Nonetheless, the UK government says Brexit has allowed for a boost in sustainable fishing. By exercising post-Brexit powers, the UK can control fish catches and stocks in British waters. Ministers have backed a new package of measures to create a resilient fishing industry while securing sustainable fish stocks.

Marking a deviation from the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, the UK government has introduced a system of fisheries management that uses science and fishermen’s expertise to maintain healthy fish commodities.

Moreover, the UK government achieved a breakthrough this year by signing the Windsor Framework.

Over 1,700 EU laws have been removed and a new “green lane” will exempt agri-food businesses from bureaucratic border checks at the Irish Sea – something leaders hope will bolster trade in the region. 

Other markets shine
While Europe continues to be the main market for UK salmon, in Q1, exports to Asia doubled, according to customs authorities. Moreover, North America and Asia accounted for 47% of the salmon export market of the UK during the first three months of the year, driven by solid demand from China, Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea. 

Salmon export sales between January and March reached £134 million (US$171.01 million), an 18% increase from the same period in 2022.

By Marc Cervera