Registering for the Authorised Trader List:

Defra have launched the authorised trader registration process to enable them to compile a list of those authorised traders that can benefit from the 3-month grace period for GB-NI moves from 1 January 2021.  You can find more information, including how to self-identify, on the gov.uk website here.

Please note that Defra are responsible for compiling the list so if you have any queries please contact them directly at nisupermarketandsupplierlist@defra.gov.uk. The EU Exit email address from which this email has been sent will not be monitored in respect of trader registration.

Compliance Protocol and Authorised Trader guidance:

DAERA has published two guides relating to the Compliance Protocol and Authorised Traders to help you and your businesses navigate the new procedures in place after the transition period ends. The guidance documents can be found on the EU Exit Pages of the DAERA website and we have also attached a copy of the current version to this email for your reference. 

The Guidance for Authorised Traders (during the three month grace period) and the Compliance Protocol set out the new processes for retail goods. They also highlight the flexibilities agreed between the UK government and the EU that will enable goods and products to move as seamlessly as possible through Northern Ireland’s Points of Entry, avoiding any unnecessary delay.

The Compliance Protocol also sets out the measures that will be taken where non-compliance is detected and establishes a pathway to full compliance for retail goods and prohibited and restricted chilled meat products.

EU laws will continue to be applied to all animals, plants and food produced and marketed in Northern Ireland. The documents published today aim to prevent or reduce harm to animal, plant and public health, and to help you understand the new processes that will be applied from 01 January 2021, after the end of the transition period. They also aim to highlight the flexibilities agreed between the UK government and the EU in order to make the processes as seamless as possible.

We urge you to read the new guides as soon as possible in order to understand what you need to do to keep trading. While some of the new processes will be phased in over time, many of them start immediately.

The food, animal and plant supply chains are complex and these documents explain how to navigate the changes. They set out how to move food, animals and plants and aim to bring all the various parts of the journey together to prepare you for the new requirements.

There is also a section on pet travel, which everyone who wishes to travel with their pet should read and familiarise themselves with, to ensure they adhere to the new regulations and travel without unnecessary delay.