Rule changes to the labelling of UK-bound EU food products have been delayed until 2024 to protect consumers amidst current supply chain challenges.
Defra’s Labelling Decision
The decision has been made by the UK government to postpone the implementation of new food labelling regulations from 1st October 2022 to 1st January 2024. The new Brexit labelling rules were set to affect goods travelling into the UK from the European Union, including beef, minced meat, olive oil, some fruits and vegetables and wine. This means that some labelling terms and EU addresses, in relation to importers and food business operators, will continue to be permitted on the GB market for an additional 15 months.
The postponement in effect means the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) will allow the “UK/EC” identification mark to remain valid on products of animal origin brought into the UK market until 31st December 2023.
An official statement from DEFRA stated that the decision to push back the implementation date was “in line with protecting consumers from unnecessary costs” whilst also protecting suppliers and importers who would otherwise have to cover additional costs for the separate labels needed on products destined for Great Britain.
Food Business Operator Addresses
The existing rules stipulate that you must include a business name and address on the packaging or food label of pre-packed food products. This must be either:
- the name of the business under whose name the food is marketed
- the address of the business that has imported the food
For Food Business Operator addresses (FBO):
You can continue to use either an EU, GB or NI address for the FBO on pre-packaged food or caseins placed on the market in GB until 31 December 2023.
From 1 January 2024, prepacked food or caseins sold in GB – including caseins sold in business-to-business transactions – must include a UK address for the FBO. If the FBO is not in the UK, include the address of your importer, based in the UK.
Next Steps
For some Traders, this announcement will be welcome news. For others, this will feel like time, expense and preparation wasted. If you’re concerned about what to do with single or dual-labelled goods in the intervening period, please contact one of our expert Food & Export Certification advisors to discuss your business and supplier relationships.
