Third country listing is essential step for UK exports

23 December 2020

The decision by the EU to grant third country listing status to the UK and approve exports of meat, dairy and other products of animal origin is ‘critical’, the NFU has said today.

NFU President Minette Batters said: “Receiving third country listing status from the EU for our animal products is absolutely critical and will allow an export trade worth more than £3 billion to continue at the end of the transition period.

“This means the UK has met all of the necessary animal health and biosecurity standards the EU requires for this trade and is a step forward in the government’s preparations for the end of the transition period.

“While this listing is good news, we must bear in mind that there will be significant friction for our exports to the EU from the 1 January and it’s crucial the government minimises this disruption as much as possible in the time remaining.”

UK exports of live animals or animal products to the EU would be required to enter the EU through a Border Control Post and would need to travel on an Export Health Certificate signed by an official veterinarian and carry an updated UK Health Mark.