The EU’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF) has confirmed the acceptance of the UK’s listed status application which will allow exports of live animals and products such as meat and dairy to continue.

The move recognises the UK’s high biosecurity and animal health standards and will bring welcome clarity to the country’s world-leading farmers and food producers.

Environment Secretary, Theresa Villiers, said:"This is good news for UK businesses. It demonstrates our very high standards of biosecurity and animal health which we will continue to maintain and improve after we leave the EU.

"If you or your business import or export animal and animal products, we want to make sure you are ready for Brexit. Our guidance sets out what you need to do to continue to trade after we leave the EU.

"Our top priority remains delivering Brexit by the end of October, and our preference is to do that with a negotiated deal, but it is the job of a responsible Government to ensure we are ready to leave without a deal and without any further pointless delay".

The EU’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed confirmed the acceptance of the UK’s listed status on Friday (October 11) after it met the health and biosecurity assurances required for a third country.

With listed status now confirmed, if we leave without a deal, businesses exporting animals and animal products to the EU will still need to meet new requirements, such as going through the correct EU Border Inspection Post.

Businesses will also require an Export Health Certificate, which will need to be signed by a certifier such as an Official Veterinarian.

Responding to the news President Minette Batters said:

“It is reassuring to hear that the UK now has third country listing in the event of a no-deal Brexit, which confirms that the UK has met the necessary animal health and biosecurity assurances required to export live animals and animal products to the EU.

“However, we must not lose sight that if the UK does leave the EU without a deal our exports to EU countries will still face significant barriers and the imposition of high tariffs. Entire sectors such as organics and potatoes still face effective trade embargoes.

“Even with third country listing, a no-deal Brexit could have catastrophic impacts on food and farming in Britain.

“Over 60% of British agri-food exports go to the EU so it is essential that we maintain a close relationship with our biggest international trading partner – one that is as free and frictionless as possible.”