The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has stopped the implementation of ‘not for EU’ labelling, following consultation from industry.
After reviewing evidence from a consultation carried out in early 2024, Government decided it would not introduce ‘not for EU’ labelling on 1st October.
However, it said it would “remain comitted to ensuring that it safeguards the supply of supermarket supplies into Northern Ireland on an ongoing basis.” Government said it would monitor and maintain those supplies as the implentation of the Windsor Framework continues.
Government also highlighted that it would “take the powers necessary to apply ‘not for EU’ labelling in the future”, and said it would set out further information in due course.
Industry welcomes halt of ‘not for EU’ labelling
Nan Jones, trade policy manager at the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), commented: “While it’s welcome news that the requirement for ‘Not for EU’ labelling has been put on hold, we have not been given any steer so far as to what the current Government is thinking. Depending on their review, it could end up back on the table.
“Frustratingly, we only received official guidance from Government one day before it was meant to be implemented. This is another example of businesses being left in limbo until the last minute. Many companies have incurred unnecessary costs preparing for this only to find out that it’s been put on hold. This is also why alignment with the EU would be so beneficial as it would remove the issues we currently have with movements to and from NI.
“We have continuously been left with a serious lack of timely and open communication over the last few years, which has been extremely costly for businesses. I can only hope this new Government can recognise this and work to ensure communication like this can be addressed much sooner to ensure businesses have enough time to adapt and prepare.”
“This more flexible approach will help keep prices down for consumers and help companies manage stock and supplies, as well as removing a barrier to investment in UK manufacturing.”
Karen Betts, FDF CEO.
A spokesperson for the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) said: “I was surprised and slightly taken aback by this outbreak of common sense. It is good that Government have listened to industry and acted accordingly.
“There are several other matters which they also need to attend to as a matter of urgency, such as the EU Deforestation Regulations and the continued issues at the border and we hope that Defra and Government will also listen to industry’s concerns on these.”
Chief executive of The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Karen Betts said: “We’re very pleased that the new Government has listened to the food and drink industry’s concerns and has responded by maintaining a flexible and proportionate approach to ‘Not for EU’ labelling.
“Our members are committed to supplying all our products everywhere across the UK, including to Northern Ireland. This more flexible approach will help keep prices down for consumers and help companies manage stock and supplies, as well as removing a barrier to investment in UK manufacturing.”
