The UK government has indefinitely delayed the introduction of ‘Not for EU’ labels on food products.
- Initially intended for implementation by 1 October, the stickers were aimed at post-Brexit UK market.
- Northern Ireland requires these labels for meat and dairy products, which stirred industry debate.
- Food and drink sector expressed concerns over additional costs and administrative burden.
- Post-Brexit checks on EU-imported produce have also been postponed till July 2025.
The UK government has decided to indefinitely postpone the introduction of ‘Not for EU’ labels on meat, fish, and dairy products intended for sale within the country. Originally slated for rollout on 1 October, this decision comes amid ongoing discussions regarding post-Brexit regulatory changes.
In Northern Ireland, it is already mandatory for meat and dairy products to bear these labels. This requirement sparked significant debate, particularly given the unique position of Northern Ireland under the Brexit agreement. Such measures have been a point of contention due to their potential impact on trade flows and market dynamics.
The food and drink industry has been a vocal critic of the proposed labelling changes, highlighting concerns about the financial and administrative pressures it would impose. Industry representatives argued that these changes could burden businesses with “hundreds of millions of pounds” in costs, potentially leading to higher consumer prices and decreased investment.
The Trade Association Dairy UK has welcomed the government’s decision to defer the labelling plans. “Had this initiative gone ahead, it would have resulted in chaos for dairy and added significant unnecessary cost and a huge admin burden to businesses,” said Judith Bryans, the chief executive. Her sentiments reflect the broader relief within the sector at the government’s responsiveness.
Additionally, the government has delayed the introduction of post-Brexit checks on fruit and vegetable imports from the EU. Initially scheduled for January, these checks have now been pushed back to July to allow the government more time to understand their impact on businesses. This decision underscores the complex challenges of balancing regulatory control with economic stability in the post-Brexit era.
The postponement of the ‘Not for EU’ labels and import checks reflects the government’s responsiveness to industry concerns amidst ongoing Brexit adjustments.
