Rules of Origin

For the preferential tariff rates to apply, goods must originate in either the UK or a EU member state. The agreement sets out the ‘Rules of Origin’ criteria and the paperwork that needs to be completed to prove eligibility.

Rules of origin will apply to where fish and shellfish are farmed, caught or processed.  

Customs

Customs procedures, including the lodging of import and export declarations, will still be necessary even if no tariffs are payable.  

Border Checks

The EU and UK have agreed to regulate separately on food safety and product standards, so there will be checks at the EU and UK border to ensure imported products meet the required regulatory standards. This means Export Health Certificates, Catch Certificates and other labelling requirements will need to be in place.  

You can find out more information here: Trading seafood products between the UK and the EU from 1 January 2021

The trade deal and cooperation agreement also changes other regulations which will affect the fishing sector.

Aoife Martin, Director of Operations at Seafish commented:

“While trade is the immediate priority with changes coming into force this week, we’ll also keep our online guidance updated as we start to understand what the changes will mean for fishing rights and access to labour.” 

Fishing- The Good, The Bad, And What Is Yet To Come