…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, has announced that the introduction of “Not for EU” labelling on food products across the UK will occur gradually, starting this autumn.
Cleverly stated that during negotiations with retailers prior to the signing of the Windsor Framework, UK-wide labelling was determined to be the preferred choice.
This labelling requirement is part of the UK government’s agreement with the EU to reduce checks on British products entering Northern Ireland.
Update on Concerns and Implementation Timeline
During a session with the House of Lords Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland Sub-Committee, Baroness Ritchie raised concerns about the lack of details regarding the “Not for EU” labelling requirement, with a deadline set for October 1.
In response, Cleverly explained that consultations with retailers had indicated a preference for a UK-wide labelling regime.
He emphasized that since Northern Ireland is part of the UK, it made logical sense to apply the same requirement to the entire country.
Cleverly assured that the implementation of the labelling would be phased in over a couple of years, starting from autumn.
Engaging with the Retail Sector and Addressing Concerns
Cleverly acknowledged that the retail sector would require more details about the size and prominence of the labelling and promised to provide further information on the specifics.
He highlighted that the plan had been discussed extensively for a couple of years, including in the Command Paper of 2021, and therefore should not come as a surprise to the retail sector.
Cleverly noted the importance of labelling for ensuring product availability not only in Northern Ireland but also in Great Britain.
Concerns over Green and Red Lane Arrangements
Lord Dodds, a DUP peer, expressed concerns about new green and red lane arrangements for the flow of goods from Britain into Northern Ireland.
He cited evidence from a manufacturer suggesting that most manufacturers would choose the red lane for clarity.
Dodds questioned how these arrangements aligned with the Prime Minister’s statement that any perception of an Irish Sea border had been eliminated.
Analysis:
The decision to gradually introduce “Not for EU” labelling on food products across the UK is a notable development in the ongoing discussions surrounding the Northern Ireland Protocol.
The preference for a UK-wide labelling regime reflects the aim to maintain consistency and avoid creating a distinction between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
By phasing in the implementation over a couple of years, the government aims to provide sufficient time for businesses to adjust and comply with the new labelling requirements.
The concerns raised by retailers about the size, prominence, and details of the labelling are understandable, as they seek clarity on how it will impact their operations.
Clear communication and transparency from the government will be crucial to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions within the retail sector.
The discussion around the green and red lane arrangements highlights ongoing challenges in trade flows between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The concerns expressed by Lord Dodds emphasize the complexity of implementing border arrangements that satisfy both the commitments to the Good Friday Agreement and the need to address regulatory differences between the UK and the EU.
While progress has been made to minimize the impact of a sea border, challenges remain, and further examination of specific concerns is necessary to find effective solutions.
These developments reflect the ongoing efforts to find practical solutions and strike a balance between maintaining the integrity of the UK’s internal market and respecting the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland’s relationship with the EU.
The phased implementation of labelling requirements and engagement with stakeholders demonstrate a willingness to address concerns and ensure a workable solution for all parties involved.