Brexit Changes
The Brexit Transition Period Has Ended
The UK has now left the EU and is no longer a Member State. The transition period ended on 31st December, 2020, which means that UK brands must now make certain labelling changes to continue exporting their food products to the EU.
While the majority of EU food law will initially still apply, there are some changes that must be made immediately as a result of the UK’s non-EU member status.
We have outlined some of the key changes below.
FBO Address
Prepacked foods sold in the EU must include the name and address of the responsible food business operator (FBO) on the label. The FBO must be established within the EU and hold a physical EU address. It is no longer sufficient for products to only contain a UK company name and address.
Organic Food
The UK and EU have now recognised each other as equivalent until 31st December, 2023. This means that UK organic food businesses will be able to export goods to the EU and retain the option to use the EU organic logo. However, all UK organic food products being exported to the EU must include both the UK and EU statements of agriculture on the label.
Health and Identification Marks
Health and identification (ID) marks are oval stamps that must be applied to certain food products of animal origin (POAO). They are required by EU law to demonstrate that the food business has met the relevant EU hygiene requirements and to allow traceability of the product back to its place of production. The current EU health and ID marks can no longer be applied to POAO by UK businesses and must be replaced with the new UK health and ID marks.
Country of Origin Statements
Food products made in the UK will no longer be able to claim ‘Made in the EU’ or make use of the EU emblem on their labels.