Calendar Month Supplier Declaration- Processors Sending Product to EU Through Hubs

The guidance on Export Health Certification for Products of Animal Origin away from the Premises of Origin <http://apha.defra.gov.uk/external-operations-admin/library/documents/exports/ET197.pdf> (ET197) released by DEFRA, allows the Supplier Declarations to be valid for a whole calendar month.

To facilitate suppliers in making the transition to the new format, we have attached 3 documents all which can be downloaded.

1. A ‘blank’ version of the new Calendar Month Supplier Declaration Template ( word format ) to be used by Suppliers to submit future Declarations
2. A completion guidance document, Calendar Month Supplier Declaration Completion Guidance – Griesham Ltd (Fictitious company)Yellow Coloured references relate to existing and ongoing information elementsBlue Coloured references relate to elements which are additional, have changed or contain specific requirements
3. A completed sample of the new Calendar Month Supplier Declaration – John Allan Ltd (Fictitious company)

All processors using the hubs are encouraged to begin using the new Calendar Month Supplier Declaration format for their October 2021 submission (can be submitted from 24th September 2021).

• From 1st October 2021, our Food Standards Scotland Certifying Officers will work with the seafood export Hubs to support feedback to suppliers regarding Supplier Declarations which do not conform to the new formats defined above. Note one supplier declaration is required for each hub used.
• From 1st November 2021, products may face delay in shipping if the new supplier format is not submitted. Declaration can be submitted from the 23rd of October.

Market research has shown positive feedback from processors that this system will help their administration process.

If you have any enquiries, please contact Alastair Kennedy or Steve Galloway at:

Alastair.kennedy@seafoodscotland.org
07800 918038

Webinar: A focus on the retailers recording

For those who couldn’t attend ‘A Focus on the Retailers’ exploring the performances of Tesco and The Co-op in Scotland here is the webinarhere  
Listen to Lesley Ann Gray of Kantar sharing market insight alongside Amanda Brown providing some wider GB market context on both retailers.

New EHCs from 21 August 2021

The EU is making changes to its laws, which means it is necessary to make updates to Export Health Certificates (EHCs) and Notes for Guidance used to export goods to the EU. If you are a GB trader, who exports certain animals, germinal products and products of animal origin, these changes will affect you.

GB traders exporting their goods to the EU will need to use the new EHCs from 21 August 2021. Current EHCs signed before 21 August may be used until October for goods on route to the EU.

In April, Defra made available new EHCs for composite products, some POAO and a new ‘private attestation for composite products exempt from certification by an Official Vet or a Food Competent Certifying Officer (FCCO). You can find further information here.

Defra are now preparing to publish the remainder of the new EHCs and their associated Notes for Guidance. To help traders and exporters familiarise themselves in advance, around 30 of the new EHCs for some of the most commonly traded commodities will be available for viewing on Form Finder from 30 June 2021. The remaining EHCs will follow on 29 July 2021.

Defra will also issue detailed guidance and a summary document highlighting the key changes that you need to know about and will continue to work with the EU to provide clarity on any outstanding issues.

With each release of EHCs, Defra will provide support to Traders with webinars and live Q&A sessions with an expert panel. We will provide more information nearer the time.

Key Changes
The new certificates represent changes for all commodities, but the most significant changes affect: Composites, Germinal Products, Meat Products, Fish and Animals from Confined Establishments. Defra will provide webinars where there are significant changes for commodities, as well as summary documents for use by traders.

Write to your MP re the Driver Shortage – Prewritten Letter, it only take a couple of seconds to send it.

The Road Haulage Association has asked us to share this with the industry

The shortage of HGV drivers in the UK is at crisis point with a combination of factors, many of them long-standing, contributing to the current situation including reduced access to labour because of COVID and Brexit, the loss of ability to train and test new drivers and the introduction of IR-35

The industry needs immediate access to the global labour market so that we can access a workforce that can live and work in the UK more easily and encourage those that have left to return. For this, we need the Home Office to add HGV drivers to the UK Shortage Occupation List and consider a Seasonal or Temporary Visa Scheme for qualified lorry drivers, like the one that is currently available to farm workers.
Operators are encouraged to write to their MP using this quick and easy tool to request their support for these asks. The letter has already been written for you, all you need to do is enter a few brief details so that we can identify who your MP is and the system will then send the letter to the appropriate MP. The more letters sent, the more pressure that will be applied to Government and so this is a really important exercise that will only take a few short moments to complete.

 UK-EU fisheries agreement written record

Following on from the announcement yesterday on the UK-EU fisheries agreement please find the following pages which lay out the written record of the agreement and statements from ministers.

–Fisheries: consultations between the UK and the EU in 2021 Policy paper
–Minister Prentis Written Ministerial Statement
-Lord Benyon Written Ministerial Statement

Get involved with Career Ready

Career Ready is looking for organisations to provide mentors and paid internships for students across Scotland, changing young people’s lives in the process.
Career Ready is a UK wide social mobility charity that helps to raise the aspirations of school students in S5 and S6 with limited social capital and access to professional networks from the world of work. The Career Ready programme is an eighteen month employer/ volunteer employee led programme that gives students real experience of the world of work, supporting them with:

• A mentor from the world of work over two years, (meet once per month for 1-1.5 hours)
• A four-week paid internship at the end of their first year on the programme, in the workplace of their mentor
• Six masterclasses focussing on Skills for Career Success learning outcomes, and delivered by employer volunteers.

The Career Ready programme can provide your employees with an opportunity to develop their own skills and networks. It can also help you to actively contribute towards the Scottish Government’s Young Persons Guarantee, Developing the Young Workforce and fair work policies and pledges as part of the employability and skills agenda.

More details are on their website or you can get in touch with Lindsey Docherty who would be happy to have a conversation.

Two significant updates impacting the seafood sector this week is the announcement of the UK and EU reaching an agreement on fishing quota, and the other is that Portugal has been put back onto the amber list and no new companies have been put on the green list.
This restriction of tourism in Europe and no sign of progress is a blow to many companies who trade into Europe hoping for the upturn in trade with tourism over the summer. Let’s hope the vaccine rollout continues at a pace throughout Europe and new variants are under control which would allow tourism to start opening back up

Food Crime

The Scottish Food Crime & Incidents Unit (SFCIU) within Food Standard Scotland is requesting any intelligence you hold that might relate to food crime occurring in the White Fish and/or Salmon supply chains.

Fish was identified as a Scottish Food Crime priority and these intelligence requirements are part of developing an enhanced picture of food crime within these supply chains. SFCIU would be grateful if you can consider the two requirements and provide any intelligence or information that might be relevant.

The Intelligence Requirements for White Fish and Salmon highlight a number of areas that would be of interest for gathering intelligence or developing a fuller picture on the vulnerabilities that can be exploited by criminals. They would welcome any inputs reflecting your experience and where there are significant challenges in the supply chains.

Please send all emails regarding intelligence to foodcrime@fss.scot by 23^rd June.

Canada and Mexico Trade Input Required

DIT launched the call for input regarding the UK’s trade with Canada and Mexico ahead of upcoming trade negotiations, to build on our existing trade deals. This is an opportunity to provide evidence on behalf of your business or sector within the UK seafood industry and to help inform the Government’s approach to these negotiations.

For context (using 2017/18/19 averages from HMRC trade data, aligned to European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture):

The UK exports around £90k of seafood to Mexico per year (mainly salmon), and imports around £1.18m (mainly prawns and fish ‘not elsewhere specified’).

The UK exports around £13m of seafood to Canada each year (mainly salmon and other fish fillets, including battered product), and imports around £97m (mainly prawns, salmon and lobsters).

If this is of interest, please follow this link to fill in the online forms, the consultation closes on 12th July.

EU Settlement Scheme

To stay in the UK, EU citizens, including children, who were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and who do not have indefinite leave to remain must apply to the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme. The deadline for applications is fast approaching, with the scheme closing on 30 June 2021. Non-EU family members can also apply. If you have an EU permanent residence card or an EU residence certificate, you will still need to apply. If you do not apply, you may lose your right to live, work and study in the UK.

A package of support is available for anyone who needs additional help. The Stay in Scotland toolkit includes information on the EU Settlement Scheme, details of the application process, and links to other resources. Full details can be found at www.mygov.scot/stayinscotland.

Citizens Advice Scotland operate a free national helpline as part of their EU Citizen Support Service. You can receive information, advice and support for applying to the EU Settlement Scheme by calling the freephone helpline on 0800 916 9847. The service has qualified advisers who will help you apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. Citizens Advice Scotland have two solicitors who can help people with more complex immigration histories.

The legal charity, JustRight Scotland, have published a series of factsheets on EU citizens’ rights. These factsheets detail your rights to vote and work, and to access healthcare, education, housing and benefits in Scotland. These factsheets can be found at www.justcitizens.scot/EU/

If you haven’t done so already, please apply to the scheme. If you have colleagues, neighbours, friends or family members who are from the EU, please share these ‘Stay in Scotland’ resources.

COMPANY DATA ON TRACES Webinar 9th June from 2-3pm

TRACES is the European Commission’s online platform for the sanitary and phytosanitary certification required for the importation of live animals and animal products into the European Union. The TRACES system streamlines certification and all linked entry procedures in a fully digitised process. When you export, the details held on the TRACES system about your company and what it is authorised to export must match the paperwork accompanying your shipment for entry to be permitted into the EU.

Recently we have received a number of enquiries from companies/processors who have experienced issues at the BCP where information on TRACES has not matched the paperwork. Companies involved were not sure how their details could then be updated or amended on TRACES.

To help with this, Seafood Scotland will be running a webinar on 9th June from 2-3pm for all companies to join, to explain how the whole end to end process works for checking, updating or changing your details on TRACES, the different databases involved on the UK and EU sides, how these are linked, and the timings involved, to help reduce the chances of TRACES-related issues at the Border Control Post.

We have gathered a number of speakers from the competent authorities across the entire TRACES process responsible for monitoring, managing and inputting the data that is then used to update TRACES so that companies can be clear how this works and what you need to do to ensure your own information is complete and correct.

Click here to sign in to the webinar

Future routes to market webinar, 8 June 2021

You are invited to join the North East Scotland Food & Drink Network on 8 June (10.00am to 11.30am) for a future routes to market webinar. Consumer behaviour has shifted significantly over the past year. This webinar will provide insights for businesses on the changes and what they mean for new routes to market for food and drink producers.

Levercliff will present the findings of its latest consumer tracking survey and Spar Scotland will share its experience of changes in convenience retail.

The session will include a regional business case study and the opportunity for questions and answers with the speakers

Click here to register for this free webinar – ONE FDA Future routes to market webinar

Our speakers

David Craig, Director, Levercliff

David will share the findings of Levercliff’s latest consumer tracking survey. The survey has been following the changing habits of consumers since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with questions evolving as their habits have changed.

The survey results explore six key themes in detail: food to go habits; changes in brand and product choices; the likely continuation of online shopping; attitudes towards health and wellness; plus key attitudes around cooking behaviours and food delivery.

The presentation is future focussed and will help suppliers identify potential areas of focus for their food and drink business as we emerge from a period of sustained restrictions on everyday life.

Stephen Brown, Head of Food-to-Go, Spar Scotland

Stephen will share his views on how consumer shopping behaviours have changed in convenience retailing, the trends that have emerged and which ones may be set to stay. Stephen will expand on how they want to create destination stores by offering a differentiated range and where this might create opportunities.

Anna Mitchell, Owner, Castleton Farm Shop and Café

Anna will share how the business has adapted and evolved its model and routes to market to service customers in response to major behaviour and market changes and what this means for the future of the business.

Priority is given to food and drink producers based in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or Moray.

For more information on the North East Scotland Food & Drink Network, please email elizabeth.mathie@opportunitynortheast.com.

The North East Food & Drink Network is organised by Opportunity North East in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council and aims to support the growth of the region’s food and drink sector.

Trading to EU Approval Status

Businesses are being reminded that they can check their approval status and approved categories for export to the EU and find out their Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) numbers on the Defra website. This number needs to be added to the Export Health Certificate for any products that are being exported and the approval needs to match the commodity being exported.

Fish exporters are also being advised that from today (21 May) they will be able to clone or copy a previously submitted Export Catch Certificate on the Fish Export Service. Users will also be able to clone a document while voiding the previously submitted version, which will significantly reduce the effort needed to correct a document.

A Guide to Selecting the Correct Commodity Codes for Exports to the EU

Background

All goods that are traded internationally must be identified by a number. This number is known as the “commodity code”. It  is also known as the “tariff classification” of the goods, or the “tariff number” because it is found in the UK Trade Tariff.

Seafood Scotland have developed a new guide to help determine commodity codes. It uses a searchable spreadsheet that allows product to be identified by key parameters such as Scientific Name, Fresh/Frozen, Gutted/Whole or commodity code. The searchable database can help to determine the 8 digit version code and there is also a further guide on how to find the other two digits to determine the 10 digit version of the code.

This guide can be found here.

**Please use the excel spreadsheet on the website for your search and do not download as the data on the website will be updated continually.

COVID-19 delays inaugural Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global in Barcelona

The first edition of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global to take place in Barcelona has been pushed back due to COVID-19.
The 28th edition of the world’s largest seafood expo, which was scheduled to take place in Barcelona, Spain from 7 to 9 September, 2021, will now take place 26 to 28 April, 2022.

The 2022 edition of the event will take place at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via venue, which was set to host the event in April 2021 after a move from Brussels, until the COVID-19 pandemic forced its postponement to September.

“Keeping our customers’ best interest in mind is our top priority,” Diversified Communications Group Vice President Liz Plizga said in a press release. “After evaluation of suppliers and buyers’ concerns around the continued uncertainties caused by the ongoing COVID-19 situation worldwide, it became evident that 2021 would still be too soon to host an international event that would provide the global experience the seafood community would find valuable.”

Plizga said the complexities of the various COVID-19 regulations and governmental restrictions around the world “make it impossible to hold a large-scale global event in September 2021.”
Diversified is looking forward to welcoming seafood industry professionals at the next edition of Seafood Expo Global in 2022, Plizga said.

“We are committed to Barcelona,” Plizga said. “We will continue working with Fira de Barcelona and the city to ensure we can host a valuable in-person event that will bring back, at the Gran Via venue in 2022, the international representation that makes Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global the global seafood marketplace and the largest seafood trade event in the world.”

Diversified said it is expecting around 29,000 industry professionals from 158 countries at its 2022 event, according to Diversified Communications Event Director Wynter Courmont.
“We have already received contracts for the 2022 edition and strong participation interest from all sectors of the global seafood industry. We look forward to having the most successful first edition in the beautiful city of Barcelona, Spain,” Courmont said.

Courmont said Diversified will aim to provide events and other networking and business-related activities in the interim time before the 2022 event.
“Until the 2022 edition in Barcelona, we will be exploring online event opportunities to connect suppliers and buyers together and keep the seafood community informed on the latest topics in the industry,” she said.

EU Settlement Scheme

To stay in the UK, EU citizens, including children, who were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and who do not have indefinite leave to remain must apply to the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme. The deadline for applications is fast approaching, with the scheme closing on 30 June 2021. Non-EU family members can also apply. If you have an EU permanent residence card or an EU residence certificate, you will still need to apply. If you do not apply, you may lose your right to live, work and study in the UK.

A package of support is available for anyone who needs additional help. The Stay in Scotland toolkit includes information on the EU Settlement Scheme, details of the application process, and links to other resources. Full details can be found at www.mygov.scot/stayinscotland.

Citizens Advice Scotland operate a free national helpline as part of their EU Citizen Support Service. You can receive information, advice and support for applying to the EU Settlement Scheme by calling the freephone helpline on 0800 916 9847. The service has qualified advisers who will help you apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. Citizens Advice Scotland have two solicitors who can help people with more complex immigration histories.

The legal charity, JustRight Scotland, have published a series of factsheets on EU citizens’ rights. These factsheets detail your rights to vote and work, and to access healthcare, education, housing and benefits in Scotland. These factsheets can be found at www.justcitizens.scot/EU/

If you haven’t done so already, please apply to the scheme. If you have colleagues, neighbours, friends or family members who are from the EU, please share these ‘Stay in Scotland’ resources.

COMPANY DATA ON TRACES Webinar 9th June from 2-3pm

TRACES is the European Commission’s online platform for the sanitary and phytosanitary certification required for the importation of live animals and animal products into the European Union. The TRACES system streamlines certification and all linked entry procedures in a fully digitised process. When you export, the details held on the TRACES system about your company and what it is authorised to export must match the paperwork accompanying your shipment for entry to be permitted into the EU.

Recently we have received a number of enquires from companies/processors who have experienced issues at the BCP where information on TRACES has not matched the paperwork. Companies involved were not sure how their details could then be updated or amended on TRACES.

To help with this, Seafood Scotland will be running a webinar on 9th June from 2-3pm for all companies to join, to explain how the whole end to end process works for checking, updating or changing your details on TRACES, the different databases involved on the UK and EU sides, how these are linked, and the timings involved, to help reduce the chances of TRACES-related issues at the Border Control Post.

We have gathered a number of speakers from the competent authorities across the entire TRACES process responsible for monitoring, managing and inputting the data that is then used to update TRACES so that companies can be clear how this works and what you need to do to ensure your own information is complete and correct.
Click here to sign in to the webinar

Retail Performance Webinar

As part of the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership, The Knowledge Bank is hosting the first in a series of webinars looking at retailer performance in Scotland.

A Focus on the Discounters will look at how Aldi and Lidl have built their stature in grocery with insight from Lesley Ann Gray of Kantar, who will provide an overview of their performances, and Lucy Husband, Director for Market Development and Business Engagement at Scotland Food & Drink.

The webinar, hosted by Amanda Brown, will examine Aldi and Lidl’s paths to success as well as look at their current performances in Scotland and the dynamics currently driving those performances in the current Scottish grocery market.

Date: Wednesday 2 June
Time: 10am – 11am
Platform: Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iFu1xEP7RneRWAg-1hR9UQ

Future routes to market webinar, 8 June 2021

You are invited to join the North East Scotland Food & Drink Network on 8 June (10.00am to 11.30am) for a future routes to market webinar. Consumer behaviour has shifted significantly over the past year. This webinar will provide insights for businesses on the changes and what they mean for new routes to market for food and drink producers.

Levercliff will present the findings of its latest consumer tracking survey and Spar Scotland will share its experience of changes in convenience retail.

The session will include a regional business case study and the opportunity for questions and answers with the speakers.
Click here to register for this free webinar – ONE FDA Future routes to market webinar

Our speakers

David Craig, Director, Levercliff
David will share the findings of Levercliff’s latest consumer tracking survey. The survey has been following the changing habits of consumers since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with questions evolving as their habits have changed.

The survey results explore six key themes in detail: food to go habits; changes in brand and product choices; the likely continuation of online shopping; attitudes towards health and wellness; plus key attitudes around cooking behaviours and food delivery.
The presentation is future focussed and will help suppliers identify potential areas of focus for their food and drink business as we emerge from a period of sustained restrictions on everyday life.

Stephen Brown, Head of Food-to-Go, Spar Scotland
Stephen will share his views on how consumer shopping behaviours have changed in convenience retailing, the trends that have emerged and which ones may be set to stay. Stephen will expand on how they want to create destination stores by offering a differentiated range and where this might create opportunities.

Anna Mitchell, Owner, Castleton Farm Shop and Café
Anna will share how the business has adapted and evolved its model and routes to market to service customers in response to major behaviour and market changes and what this means for the future of the business.

Priority is given to food and drink producers based in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or Moray.
For more information on the North East Scotland Food & Drink Network, please email elizabeth.mathie@opportunitynortheast.com.

The North East Food & Drink Network is organised by Opportunity North East in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council and aims to support the growth of the region’s food and drink sector.

Scottish Seafood Upskilling Programme

Two new training opportunities have been added to the Scottish Seafood Upskilling programme.  Both are 50% funded and are available for registration from today.

Elementary HACCP by eLearning.  Developed by REHIS, primarily to support food manufacturing, this short eLearning programme is ideal for individuals who do not need a full intermediate HACCP programme (also available by eLearning).  The e-EHACCP programme is short (approx. 2 hrs), low cost (£50) and builds upon the elementary food hygiene principles that are essential for many food handlers in the seafood industry.

A recent Elementary Food Hygiene qualification is a requirement to undertake this course.
Employers pay an upfront fee of £25.00 per person for the learning materials and our matched funding makes the exam free.

An online, invigilated multiple choice exam (30 questions, 60% pass mark) is the final step in achieving the qualification.
Applications are initially via enquiries@seafoodscotland.org

Elementary Food Hygiene (remote taught course).  Seafish’s highly successful online food hygiene programme is free of charge and available here.  However, as online learning is not to everyone’s taste we are now offering a taught one-day training programme as an alternative.

The course is delivered remotely by a Seafish approved REHIS trainer using Zoom.
Courses are organised on demand.

The course costs £100 and is eligible for 50% funding, so the cost is only £50 per person.

An online, invigilated multiple choice exam (30 questions, 60% pass mark) is the final step in achieving the qualification.

Applications are initially via enquiries@seafoodscotland.org

This week has seen more international markets being restricted further with a state of emergency being declared in Japan and further lockdown restrictions in Canada, coupled with further lock downs across Europe the export market is very unstable at present. Over the coming weeks we do see an easing of lockdown across the UK which will hopefully stimulate demand for seafood.

The Scottish Seafood Export Taskforce met again this week and we were updated with a number of areas within the systems that are being upgrading in the next couple of months and beyond. There is the hope of a fully digitalised system but that is looking like another year before that is possible.

The changes that have already happened include:

• Blank pages and automatic numbering
• Increased the number of draft documents from 10 to 50
• Increased the weight that can be submitted

The changes that are being made include:

• Working with processors and industry representatives we have identified the top six improvements:
  • Cloning of catch certificates- 20^th May
  • Cloning and voiding, resubmit with updates
  • Data uploads- enable landings to be updated separately
  • Process statements and documents- late summer
  • Redesigning product and landing pages- Working with users continually, prototypes being tested
  • Redesigning the user flow, more of a checklist system so information can be uploaded as it is received

Easing of restrictions across retail, hospitality and travel going ahead from Monday

The First Minister has confirmed this week that the planned easing of restrictions from Monday will be going ahead. For our food and drink sector, the most significant easing is obviously the initial re-opening of hospitality. From Monday 26 April, cafés, pubs and restaurants can re-open, along with tourist accommodation. Non-essential retail outlets as well as indoor attractions and public buildings such as galleries, museums and libraries can also open. All of Scotland (mainland and islands) will be in level 3 from Monday. This also means that the remaining travel restrictions within Scotland will be lifted and travel within the UK will be permitted for any purpose. If everything continues to go to plan, all of Scotland will move to Level 2 on Monday 17 May.

In hospitality, full outdoor service subject to local licensing can commence on Monday with a maximum of six people from six households in a single group. Service indoors can also start but it is subject to an 8pm curfew, a limit of six people from two households and alcohol cannot be served. The quick guide to what you can and can’t do in level 3 is available here.

Commodity Code Guide Webinar

Seafood Scotland have developed a new guide to help determine commodity codes. It uses a searchable spreadsheet that allows product to be identified by key parameters such as Scientific Name, Fresh/Frozen, Gutted/Whole or commodity code. The searchable database can help to determine the 8 digit version code and there is also a further guide on how to find the other two digits to determine the 10 digit version of the code.  We will also show how commodity codes are built up starting from a two digit initial code.

We will be running a webinar on Wednesday 28^th April 24 from 14.00 hours to 15.00 hours, showing how the spreadsheet and guide works We will also show on the EU Taric on how codes can be used to determine if any duty is due, dependent upon origin.

We will also show how to get confirmation from HMRC that you have selected the right commodity code for your product(s)

To book on the this webinar click here.

 Government sets provisional fishing catch limits for 2021

On the 14 April, the Government set provisional catch limits for UK-EU shared fish stocks for the remainder of 2021, or until an agreement is reached with the EU.

The UK remains committed to working closely with the EU on the sustainable management of shared stocks and to seeking an agreement on outstanding fisheries issues for 2021. If catch limits are agreed with the EU then these will be updated accordingly.

Job Vacancies

The Sea A Bright Future team are looking to update the current vacancies that are available on the Scottish Seafood Association website.

If you have vacancies that you have not yet shared with us so far and you still wish to, please send me any links to your website recruitment pages.

If you do not have a website, or if you do not have a specific recruitment page, but you have an online job advert for example on Indeed, then you can share the link to this with us and we can add it to the site. Please contact jean@scottishseafoodassociation.com for further information.

Review of Seafish event and business to business marketing activities

We are currently looking at our calendar of events, and appraising ways in which we can continue to support industry in a post-Covid world where the format of ‘real world events’ has changed considerably. We aim to find the most effective and efficient way to deliver benefits to businesses and support a thriving seafood industry in the UK. Any marketing event related plans will also seek to fit into the overall strategy of our new consumer marketing initiative, Love Seafood.
 
Seeking Stakeholder Views

As you may be aware, we’re seeking views from across the seafood sector throughout the UK, to help us reach a proposed plan for B2B activities under our overall strategic approach to marketing. We’re inviting stakeholders to participate in a short questionnaire-style online survey – taking no more than a few minutes to complete.

In due course we’ll appraise collated views against our overall strategic approach to marketing, and prepare proposals which will be presented to our Sector Panels for discussion. Subsequent activity plans will depend on available budget and resources.

The survey process is being facilitated by an independent survey management company and all submitted responses to the survey will be treated with due confidentiality. The survey will remain open to participation until midnight on 30 April 2021.

To participate in and complete the survey, please visit: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6255843/Seafish-Marketing-Survey  

Skills for resilience case studies 

FDF Scotland and Skills Development Scotland, with support from the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership, have produced case studies of businesses who have used skill development and Modern Apprenticeships to respond to recent challenges and to build future resilience. Click here to learn more about it.

To find out more about the employer benefits from apprenticeships, go to Apprenticeships.Scot.

To share the case studies on your social media, please refer to this communications pack:

• Communications pack
• Mimi’s Bakehouse
• Christie the Baker

Seafood Future Leaders Programme

Seafood Scotland has developed a Seafood Future Leaders Programme in partnership with funding partners Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Enterprise’s core leadership programme and Opportunity North.

We are looking to develop future leaders of not only the business they operate in but also future leaders of the industry.

The first cohort was filled in 24 hours and we have now managed to secure a second cohort starting late May running until September (excluding the summer holidays) and will be a variety of workshops and masterclasses with topics including leadership, productivity, innovation, new business models and resilience, the political environment, coaching and media training. The programme will also end with an exciting learning journey to Iceland to look at the innovation the supply chain has undertaken there.

We are now down to our last space.

If you wish to register your interest or if you have any questions, please email donna.fordyce@seafoodscotland.org

Thanks and have a great weekend

Seafish Processor Survey

2021 Processing Survey

Seafish’s survey of UK seafood processing businesses will begin on 6 April 2021.
The timeline for the 2021 survey is:

• April – May: Survey period
• June – September: Data collation and analysis
• October – December: Share results with industry and government

Why participate in the survey? 
The seafood processing sector faces potential challenges and opportunities:

• changes to the regulatory landscape
• new trading relationships, immigration policy and workforce availability
• continuing to work in a ‘Covid-safe way’ and responding to the ongoing pandemic

At a time of change it is important for industry and government to have accurate, up-to-date information on the sector. The survey helps to put together an accurate picture of financial performance and socio-economic importance in terms of jobs and Gross Value Added (GVA). The more data that businesses can provide the more accurately the sector will be represented in the industry estimates.
The survey data also informs all the other work done for the sector. It provides an opportunity for you to feedback on further support or resources that could help your business.

What does the survey involve?

A ten to fifteen-minute phone call during which you will be asked about:

• main activities of your business
• species you process
• size and make-up of your workforce
• accounts information to supplement publicly available data

In some cases you will also receive an email to a financial survey to complete.
Seafish will attempt to contact all UK seafood processing businesses and invite them to take part.

• Recruitment letter and survey questions
• Foodservice webinar communications pack

Support for retail sector

Notice to Scottish Importers

Update: Changes to import requirements for EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) goods

Following the end of the EU Exit transition period on 31^st December 2020, the UK Government set out a phased approach for implementing import checks on SPS goods, published in the Border Operating Model.

For clarity SPS goods include animals and animal products, fish, shellfish (including fish and shellfish landed by EU/EEA/EFTA flagged vessels, and fish ova) and their products, high-risk food and feed not of animal origin, germinal products, organics, plants and plant products (including wood and wood products).

On the 11^th March 2021 the UK Government announced substantial changes to delay the implementation of the previously published SPS phases. Scottish Ministers have agreed to align with the UK Government for EU SPS goods (including EEA and EU SPS aligned territories) imported directly into Scotland and an overview of the changes are:

• Pre-notification requirements for Products of Animal Origin (POAO), certain animal by-products (ABP), and High Risk Food and Feed Not Of Animal Origin (HRFNAO) will be required from 1 October 2021.  Export Health Certificate requirements for POAO and certain ABP will come into force on the same date.
• Risk based physical SPS checks for POAO, certain ABP, and HRFNAO will be required from 1 January 2022 at Border Control Posts.
• Physical SPS checks on high risk plants will take place at Border Control Posts from 1 January 2022.
• Pre-notification requirements and documentary checks, including phytosanitary certificates will be required for low risk plants and plant products from 1 January 2022.
• From March 2022 live animals and low risk plants and plant products will be required to enter through a Border Control Post and be subjected to checks.

Full details of the Border Operating Model and the changes can be found here. The detail does not apply to goods arriving from or via Northern Ireland and further information on those arrangements will follow in due course.

The Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS) has replaced the EU’s system TRACES in GB. Pre notification of imports must take place through IPAFFS. You must register for IPAFFS and details can be found here.

Border Control Posts (BCPs) in Scotland

The changes outlined above include requirements for EU SPS goods to enter GB through a BCP from January and March 2022. Importers who import SPS goods directly to Scotland should familiarise themselves with available BCPs and the products they can accept. SPS products can also be imported through BCP facilities in Wales and England for clearance before onward travel to Scotland. Direct landings of fresh fisheries products have alternative requirements. Information on designated BCPs in Scotland, Wales and England can be found here;

• Authorised BCPs for live animals, animal products and food and feed of non-animal origin imports
• Authorised BCPs for plant imports

The BCP list on the UK Gov webpages will be kept up to date with new BCP designations in Great Britain. Current and expected Scottish BCPs can be found at Annex A.

If you are planning on using newly designated BCP facilities in Scotland, and you do not have a pre-existing relationship with the port, it would be helpful to get in touch with the operator to discuss product type and expected import volumes.

We will be able to facilitate the exchange of this type of information or provide direct contact details with permission of the port operator.

For further information on the changes to the phased approach for SPS goods or listed BCP’s in Scotland, please contact the Border Control Post team at BCPScotland@gov.scot. The Scottish Government would also welcome any feedback to this mailbox.

Brexit Support Grants

The UK Government has made available small grants (Brexit Support Fund) up to the value of £2,000 to help businesses either undertake training on custom declarations, processes and VAT/excise rules, or to obtain professional advice to help them navigate the issues. The fund is open until 30 June but it is demand led so the sooner you apply the better. It is aimed at supporting SMEs, although the threshold for eligible businesses is up to 500 employees and £100m turnover. As usual there is some criteria that needs to be met but there is a helpful overview here.

Seafood Future Leaders Programme

Seafood Scotland has developed a Seafood Future Leaders Programme in partnership with funding partners Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Enterprise’s core leadership programme and Opportunity North.

We are looking to develop future leaders of not only the business they operate in but also future leaders of the industry.

The first cohort was filled in 24 hours and we have now managed to secure a second cohort starting late May running until September (excluding the summer holidays) and will be a variety of workshops and masterclasses with topics including leadership, productivity, innovation, new business models and resilience, the political environment, coaching and media training. The programme will also end with an exciting learning journey to Iceland to look at the innovation the supply chain has undertaken there.

We are now down to our last remaining couple of spaces.

If you wish to register your interest or if you have any questions, please email donna.fordyce@seafoodscotland.org

Launch of Marine Fund Scotland

Investments and jobs in seafood sectors, the marine environment and coastal communities will be supported through a new marine fund.

Marine Fund Scotland (MFS) replaces the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), following the UK’s exit from the EU. The EMFF supported the sustainable growth of the marine economy in coastal communities, in sectors such as fishing, aquaculture and seafood processing.

The EMFF has committed over £96 million to coastal communities across Scotland since it opened in 2016. It is now closed for new applications, but will continue paying grants until 2023.
The MFS has a one year budget of £14 million, meaning all projects must be completed by 31^st March 2022.

Announcing the fund, Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing said:
“MFS will replace the outgoing EMFF and support growth in our Blue Economy, provide vital investment in the Scottish marine industries and seafood sectors and protect jobs and livelihoods in our coastal communities at a time when many are facing acute hardship due to Brexit and the pandemic.”

The Marine Fund Scotland for an initial period will operate on the basis of Expressions of Interest (EOI) to allow them to assess and engage with initial proposals for projects. The fund is being launched under the Blue Economy policy approach and the developing Blue Economy Action Plan (BEAP).  Projects which best fit with the new approach will be invited to submit an full application and supporting documents.  After this initial phase they will move directly to online applications.

The Expression of Interest Form does not form part of the formal application process for grant funding under the Marine Fund Scotland. Any response to an Expression of Interest Form does not confirm the acceptance or otherwise of any related application for funding.

All details can be found here 

The Academy

What is the Academy and how will it benefit me and my business?
The Academy is a commercially focused training programme designed by food and drink industry experts to enable real and sustainable business growth for Scottish food and drink businesses. There are three distinct programmes for businesses at different stages of the growth journey.
It is focused on knowledge-sharing, upskilling, innovating and succeeding and giving you the practical tools and know-how to help deliver a real step change for your business.
What are the programmes on offer, and what are the differences between each?

• Seeding Growth is geared toward early-stage businesses or those towards the start of their growth journey to drive sales and opportunities beyond your local market. To read more about this programme click here
• Accelerating Growth is for SMEs with aspirations to enter the next phase of growth and will help identify and unlock opportunities to increase penetration and sales in UK markets. To read more about this programme click here
• Commercial Excellence is for highly ambitious commercial professionals and sales leaders in well established businesses looking to achieve significant market growth. To read more about this programme click here

Which Programme is right for me?
If you are still not sure what programme is best suited for you and your business let our diagnostic tool help guide you >> https://survey.cmix.com/0E19A16E/7E301C4Q/en-GB

How much time will be required of me to participate in the Academy programmes?

• Seeding Growth spans 3 months, with 6 modules requiring 2 half-day sessions per module.
• Accelerating Growth spans 6 months, with 4 modules requiring 2 half-day sessions per module.
• Commercial Excellence spans 12 months, with 3 modules requiring 2 half-day session per module.

As well as module attendance, delegates will be expected to commit to furthering their learning through set activity between sessions. Delegates will also benefit from the support of a mentor matched to your personal business needs. Additionally, delegates on the Commercial Excellence programme will need to devote time to developing a commercial project aligned to the business strategy.
Delivery of each programme will be carried out during the working week, and enough notice will be given to ensure it can be balanced with the day to day running and operations within your business.

How much will it cost?
There is a standard fee for each programme. Members of Scotland Food & Drink receive a discount relative to the business turnover. Members of Scotland Food & Drink Partner organisations receive a 25% discount.
The full list of fees, including discounts, can be found here.

I’m not a member of Scotland Food & Drink, can I still apply?
Yes of course. These programmes have been designed to benefit all Scottish food and drink producers. To discuss membership please contact us prior to application to benefit from discounted pricing.

Who will be delivering the Academy programmes and how will they be delivered?
The Academy programmes will be delivered by a curated team of highly experienced specialists with specific skills and real market experience in the food and drink industry.
All group and mentoring sessions will be delivered virtually using the Zoom platform. There will also be programme materials and handouts available to access and download digitally.

How many places will be available on each programme?
To ensure maximum group and peer-to-peer learning, each programme will be limited to a small cohort/group of businesses.

When does each programme start?
Each programme has multiple intake dates over the two-and-a-half-year cycle. Cohort one will commence:

• Seeding Growth on 4th May
• Accelerating Growth on 8th June
• Commercial Excellence on 20th July

There will be a welcome meeting the week before the programme commence date. Dates for future cohorts will be announced soon.

Do I have to do all modules?
To benefit fully from the programme, delegates are required to attend all modules. Second delegate places are subject to availability.

How do I submit my application?
Applications are submitted online: Seeding Growth, Accelerating Growth, Commercial Excellence

What is the selection process?
Applications will be reviewed by a panel to ensure applicants are matched to the right programme to suit their needs and ambitions for growth. After which, places will be allocated, and successful delegates will be directed to the payment portal.

When will I find out if I have been successful in securing a place?
Scotland Food & Drink will notify applicants within 4 weeks prior to the programme commencing.

What if I am not accepted for the programme I have applied for, or the programme I have applied for is fully subscribed?
If you are unsuccessful in your application, a member of the Business Development team at Scotland Food & Drink will be in touch to discuss this with you and look at the best way to either re-apply or provide the relevant alternative support.
If the cohort you apply for is oversubscribed, or you miss the deadline, we can work with you to confirm your place and participation in the next available cohort start date.

I’m pre-start up, can I still apply?
Unfortunately not. The current programmes require businesses to have a market ready product.

I am a business involved in the food & drink sector, but I am not a food and drink producer. Can I still participate?
No. The Academy is for businesses who produce a food or drink product in Scotland and is not applicable to third party consultants, sales representatives, agencies or supply chain operators (logistics providers, wholesalers, foodservice or retailers).

Will I get a certificate?
Yes, upon completion, each delegate will receive The Academy certificate relative to the programme they have participated in.

Where can I find out more information about the Academy? Who do I speak to if I’m still not sure?
If you haven’t found what you’re looking for on the website please drop us an email to the-academy@foodanddrink.scot with your name, contact details and where your business is based and the team at Scotland Food & Drink will be happy to arrange a call.
Webinars

• Customs Import Declarations: An overview – Tues Apr 20^th. 1.45pm to 2.45pm
• Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving – Fri Apr 23^rd. 11.45am to 12.45pm
• Importing: what you need to know about Staged Controls – Mon Apr 26^th. 1.45pm to 2.45pm
• Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary – Mon  Apr 19^th. 1.45pm to 2.45pm

To register click here Help and support for UK transition – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Recorded webinar on the Border Operating Model from the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT):

Border Operating Model – the new timeline for import controls – Open to Export

This week we have continued to engage with Scottish Government and UK Government which saw CEO Donna Fordyce give evidence to the EFRA committee on the impact of Brexit on the seafood sector. The Scottish Seafood Export Taskforce met again last week and the focus is on efficiencies and costs, the outcome of this is a technical working group focusing on the issues to develop solutions. This group met this week and included seafood businesses who are experiencing this first hand.
 
Seafood Producers Resilience Fund
 
The deadline for eligible vessels to apply for the Seafood Producers Resilience Fund has been extended until 23.59 on Sunday 7 March.
 
For information on applications and an example of a completed application go to the Seafood Producers Resilience Fund section of the Marine Scotland website.
 
If you have already applied you will get a response in 15 days.
 
Seafood Response Scheme

UK Government have announced this scheme and full details can be found here. It is wider than the Seafood Producers Resilience Fund in that it includes all vessels under 40 meters, turnover is £10k for example. Full details of the scheme will be announced on the 1st March with invite for applications the 8th March (as of today we still haven’t seen any update)
 
Love Seafood – Webinar ‘marketing masterclasses’ for seafood businesses
 
Seafish – as part of Love Seafood B2B activity – launches a series of three webinar ‘marketing masterclasses’ for seafood businesses.
 
The webinars are designed to give independent business owners a chance to develop their marketing skills and knowledge – and will also provide attendees with an opportunity to learn how they can use the Love Seafood consumer brand as part of their own marketing and promotional activity.
 
The three webinars are:

• Thursday 11 March – Maximising social media for business – Get insights on common social media queries and build knowledge on how to execute simple but effective social media strategies.

Event information https://www.seafish.org/about-us/events/marketing-masterclass-maximising-social-media-for-business
Event registration https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/marketing-masterclass-maximising-social-media-for-business-registration-141121737917

• Thursday 18 March – An introduction to local search engine optimisation (SEO) – Learn how to find out what customers are searching for and how to make local SEO work for your business.

Event information https://www.seafish.org/about-us/events/marketing-masterclass-an-intro-to-local-search-engine-optimisation
Event registration https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/marketing-masterclass-an-intro-to-local-search-engine-optimisation-registration-141123222357

• Monday 22 March – Restaurants responding to Covid-19 – Hear from two restaurant owners on how they successfully adapted to the challenges brought by Covid-19. Hosted by celebrity chef Mark Sargeant, and featuring Bob McCoubrey (Mourne Seafood Bar, Belfast) and Campbell Mickel (Eddie’s Seafood Market and Merienda Restaurant, Edinburgh).

Event information https://www.seafish.org/about-us/events/marketing-masterclass-restaurants-responding-to-covid-19
Event registration https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/marketing-masterclass-restaurants-responding-to-covid-19-registration-141162923103
 
 
Webinar series from SPS Borders & Boundaries Programme (DEFRA)
 
As you are aware, the transition period with the European Union (EU) came to an end on 31 December 2020, with new import controls being introduced in stages from January until July 2021.
 
In April, there will be a further set of changes coming into effect on imports of products of animal origin (POAO) for human consumption, as outlined in the Border operating Model. These changes affect imports of food and drink containing animal products.
 
SPS Borders & Boundaries Programme at Defra invite you to join our webinar series, which will run throughout February and March (please see a full timetable below), starting with:

Importing Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from the European Union into Great Britain

• 08/03/2021 14:00-15:00 – Register here

Importing Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from the European Union into Great Britain- With a focus on Composites

• 15/03/2021 14:00- 15:00 – Register here

Importing Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from the European Union into Great Britain- With a focus on Fish & Fish Products

• 22/03/2021 14:00-15:00 – Register here

Importing Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from the European Union into Great Britain

• 29/03/2021 14:00-15:00 – Register here

Mass Covid testing scheme for food sector in Scotland opens, for businesses over 25 employees

The Scottish Government is now expanding free lateral flow antigen testing to eligible seafood businesses. This scheme is voluntary for businesses and their employees. The lateral flow antigen test kit produces results within 30 minutes which is very quick compared to other testing options, so provides the ability to limit infection spread quickly. Staff who choose to participate will undertake a lateral flow test twice weekly (with government providing the test kits free of charge). 

If there is a positive result, the member of staff should return home immediately and book a confirmatory PCR test (lab-processed test) through the usual online system.  
The Scottish Government would like to hear from larger (over 25 employees. However, if you are a smaller business, get in touch anyway as government is keen to gauge levels of interest as the programme may be expanded. Full and detailed guidance will be available to help businesses. This will be accessible via the online system called “Egress” used for ordering test kits.  

In the meantime, if your business would be interested in taking part, please email FoodSupplyInformation@gov.scot with the following information:

• Name, business name, address (where test kits will be sent to) and email with the main point of contact
• Company registration number and industry sector (standard industry code which can be found on your Companies House registration)
• Number of employees

Regional Food Fund opens for new applications
This fund aims to support the food and drink sector’s recovery from COVID-19 and has been made possible with £100,000 of Scottish Government funding. The fund is part of the Scotland Food and Drink Partnership’s Recovery plan, with grants of up to £5,000 available to applicants. The fund is open to:

• individual businesses in the food and drink sector, including primary producers, on behalf of a collaborative group or project
• regional and community groups (both rural and urban)
• individuals on behalf of a collaborative group or project

The deadline for applications is 15 March 2021 and you’ll find more detail here.

Webinar recording

Recording of the webinar on ‘The practicalities of VAT and Brexit in the Seafood Sector – What you need to know.’

This week has been another week dominated by Brexit challenges and discussions. Things are progressing and we are starting to experience more issues at the ports and border control points throughout Europe. Work is ongoing to resolve all these issues and everyone continues to work together to try and support the sector to get seafood flowing as frictionless as possible into Europe. The Seafood Taskforce met today to push forward with major issues still facing the sector

Seafood Producers Resilience fund  

The Seafood Producers Resilience Fund will provide support to eligible shellfish catchers and eligible shellfish and trout aquaculture undertakings. These businesses have lost access to domestic and international food markets as a result of COVID-19, and the difficult trading conditions that have resulted from the end of the transition period following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. To apply please find details here.

£23m Seafood Disruption Support Scheme open for applications
Some weeks after it was announced, Defra has opened this Brexit compensation scheme. Despite its name, it doesn’t actually compensate for disruption. It will only compensate for losses, where there is evidence of sales not being completed with a customer due to a delay or if the product value was reduced. The scheme – open SMEs only (less than 250 employees and under £36M turnover) – will pay a percentage of those losses. The percentage won’t be determined until all applications are received (but is understood to be at least 50%). To be honest, it looks difficult to apply for given the evidence required to prove losses and the narrow eligibility criteria. Applications close at the end of February and the detail is all here  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/seafood-disruption-support-scheme

Scottish Brexit Support

Our Brexit specialists are available now to help and advise you and your businesses regarding any urgent post-Brexit EU exporting issues. We have worked with 20 companies this week on their issues.
 
The consultants appointed by Seafood Scotland are now in place and can be contacted with specific issues or challenges you are facing to do with any aspect of exporting your product to the EU.
 
This might include clarity on customs and export certification processes and systems, or on documentation or paperwork or issues, such as:

• Catch certificates
• Health certificates
• Commodity codes
• Labels
• Export declarations

 
or any other relevant supply chain-related challenges you may be experiencing.
 
Our consultants, Alastair Kennedy and Steve Galloway can be contacted directly at alastair.kennedy@seafoodscotland.org or via Seafood Scotland at enquiries@seafoodscotland.org
 

Brexit support in France

 
Seafood Scotland has appointed a France-based expert to help Scottish seafood companies untangle the administrative issues which have plagued the industry since the UK left the EU. Taylor Calon will provide on-site support to companies and lorry drivers at Boulogne-Sur-Mer.
 
Lorry drivers facing any difficulty moving their seafood through the French port will be able to contact Taylor directly for in-person support. He will be available 24 hours/day, Mondays through Saturdays. For Taylor’s contact details please email enquiries@seafoodscotland.org
 

Webinars

VAT Webinar

 
Are you considering changing your business model to be the exporter of record and importer of record in France.
What will then be implications with regard to EU import VAT and EU domestic VAT.
We will be running a webinar shortly on this topic. There will also be a question-and-answer session after the presentation. 
 

Please let us know if you have any specific questions you want address
 
Speakers and panel will be from one of Scotland’s major accountancy businesses that have international trading experience.
 
There’s an upcoming (23 Feb) webinar Completing declarations for trade with the EU available on this page – Our Webinar Programme – Open to Export

Recording of recent webinars

• How to use Transit procedures to move goods through Europe – Open to Export 

Importing EU to GB Webinars

 
Importing Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from the European Union into Great Britain

22/02/2021 14:00-15:00 – Register here
 
Importing Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from the European Union into Great Britain- With a focus on Composites

01/03/2021 14:00-15:00 – Register here
 
Importing Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from the European Union into Great Britain

08/03/2021 14:00-15:00 – Register here
 
Importing Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from the European Union into Great Britain- With a focus on Composites

15/03/2021 14:00- 15:00 – Register here
 
Importing Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from the European Union into Great Britain- With a focus on Fish & Fish Products

22/03/2021 14:00-15:00 – Register here
 
Importing Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from the European Union into Great Britain
29/03/2021 14:00-15:00 – Register here

Trader Support Service (TSS) for NI trade

Updated process for controlled goods

If you are moving controlled goods, the declarations you submit from 15 February will require additional data so we can generate the required ENS Safety & Security declarations and Simplified Frontier declarations (SFDs).

This is because TSS has enhanced its processes to align with CDS declaration requirements. The exceptions to this are:

• Import declarations that are pre-lodged before February 15 will not be affected by this change.
• If you need to use the TSS bulk upload API, these changes will not be required from 15 February. We will contact you directly to share the timeline and specification for the API when it has been updated for controlled goods.
• For supermarkets with easements through DEFRA and HMRC, we will contact you directly to discuss how these new processes apply to you.

Controlled goods typically require additional processes, licences or certification. You can find examples of controlled goods here and visit the Northern Ireland (EU) Tariff tool to identify whether goods you move are controlled or not.

As with the current process, you will need to submit data that is accepted and authorised by TSS ahead of any goods movement.
 

Preparations to make now

Traders should be ready to either supply the information direct to TSS or indirectly via their haulier/carrier. As commercial data is needed, you may prefer to supply information independently to maintain confidentiality of the item price. Full details of the data required are outlined in this guide.
 

Action list

Preparing for these enhanced processes is critical, as the additional data for controlled goods must be submitted and approved before they are transported. The following actions should be taken immediately if you plan to move goods in the week following 15 February:

• Step 1: Consult the Northern Ireland (EU) Tariff tool referred to above to identify whether your goods are controlled, and if so, if there are any additional documentation or certification requirements.
• Step 2: Determine who will provide the additional consignment data (e.g. you, the GB supplier or the NI purchaser etc.)
• Step 3: Review the data guide here
• Step 4: Pre-lodge declarations well in advance of goods movements; as with any new process, it may take some time for you and your partners to become familiar with these requirements. Allowing time for TSS to clarify any issues with your information is advisable.
• Step 5: Ensure you and your haulier have an agreed process in place to share and upload licences or documents, in the event that checks are required.

We appreciate this process change for controlled goods will mean you need to take more time to get ready before your first movement. You can pre-lodge import declarations up to 14 days in advance of departure. We recommend you pre-lodge declarations at least 48 hours ahead of your planned goods movement. 

Supplementary declarations – a reminder

To help you prepare for the imminent need to complete supplementary declarations, we have published new guidance here on the NICTA portal.

This guidance is in addition to the existing Supplementary Declarations guide on NICTA, covering the data required. A webinar recording on preparing for supplementary declarations is available here.

The declarant of record is responsible for completing the Supplementary declaration. Please refer to the guidance if you are unsure who the declarant of record is for any goods movements you are involved in.

‘Consignment first’ groupage: evolving the TSS service

Groupage is the commercial grouping of multiple consignments within a single trailer or vehicle.

This can involve several independent hauliers combining their separate part-load consignments into a single full load or a single haulier collecting multiple distinct consignments from different suppliers or from different locations to create a single load for shipment to NI.
 

Haulier feedback

After consulting hauliers, from the 15 February TSS will be making changes to its declarations submission process to better accommodate groupage loads.

Traders can now input consignments into the TSS portal, create your MRN numbers and then pass this information to your haulier.

Hauliers can then create their final ENS by combining all consignments under one ENS header once the full trailer or vehicle load has been completed, submitting the declaration through TSS.

Full instructions and guidance will be available on NICTA shortly.

Moving fish

This is a new entrant into our weekly list of top queries. If moving fish from GB to NI, there is guidance from HM Government here.

Transit

Goods movement journeys from NI to GB via Ireland (the EU) require export declarations that are supported by TSS. It’s a process we have outlined in summary here.

Latest situation

This week has been another week dominated by Brexit challenges and discussions. Things are progressing but still very slowly and we are starting to experience more issues at the ports and border control points throughout Europe. Work is ongoing to resolve all these issues and everyone continues to work together to try and support the sector to get seafood flowing as frictionless as possible into Europe.
 
Seafood Producers Resilience fund – went live today.
 
The Seafood Producers Resilience Fund will provide support to eligible shellfish catchers and eligible shellfish and trout aquaculture undertakings. These businesses have lost access to domestic and international food markets as a result of COVID-19, and the difficult trading conditions that have resulted from the end of the transition period following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

The scheme was announced by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing on 3 February. 

This new funding worth £6.45m will benefit:

• around 1000 vessels landing shellfish such as crab, lobster, scallops, langoustines and squid
• round 75 aquaculture businesses that produce shellfish or trout for table markets.

The scheme will provide vital cash to vulnerable fishers and producers as quickly as possible in order to contribute to our objectives to:

• support the seafood producing sector
• ensure that viable businesses are not lost in the short term whilst we seek resolution to the current issues, and await improvements to the public health situation
• keep jobs in remote coastal communities

This funding does not prevent vessels from fishing, or businesses from operating
To apply please find details here 
 
£23m Funding Announcement

After the announcement by Defra and Treasury of a £23 million compensation scheme for fishing and seafood businesses hit by lost export sales over 2 weeks ago, there is still no detail.  We understand more details may emerge next week but we await more information. 
 
Seafood Scotland Expert Brexit Support Now Available
 
Thanks to funding from Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s recovery plan, underpinned by Scottish Government funding, new temporary Brexit specialist posts in Seafood Scotland have been created to support companies with the new bureaucratic requirements – details below. 
 
Scottish Brexit Support
 
Our Brexit specialists are available now to help and advise you and your businesses regarding any urgent post-Brexit EU exporting issues.
 
The consultants appointed by Seafood Scotland are now in place and can be contacted with specific issues or challenges you are facing to do with any aspect of exporting your product to the EU.
 
This might include clarity on customs and export certification processes and systems, or on documentation or paperwork or issues, such as:

• Catch certificates
• Health certificates
• Commodity codes
• Labels
• Export declarations

 
or any other relevant supply chain-related challenges you may be experiencing.
 
Our consultants, Alastair Kennedy and Steve Galloway can be contacted directly at alastair.kennedy@seafoodscotland.org or via Seafood Scotland at enquiries@seafoodscotland.org
 
Brexit support in France
 
New appointment will provide on-ground support in Boulogne-Sur-Mer for Scottish seafood companies
 
Seafood Scotland has appointed a France-based expert to help Scottish seafood companies untangle the administrative issues which have plagued the industry since the UK left the EU. Taylor Calon will provide on-site support to companies and lorry drivers at Boulogne-Sur-Mer.
 
Lorry drivers facing any difficulty moving their seafood through the French port will be able to contact Taylor directly for in-person support. He will be available 24 hours/day, Mondays through Saturdays. For Taylor’s contact details please email enquiries@seafoodscotland.org
 
Rules of Origin Webinar recording

Seafish yesterday held a rules of origin webinar. The 90 minute session covered:

• Rules of Origin in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
• Why they matter at each stage in your supply chain
• How they apply to unprocessed and processed seafood intended for re-export

 
https://youtu.be/RfzTsfLYXbA
 
Live Bivalve Molluscs
 
You will have heard this week that the EU are looking to change rules regarding exporting LMB’s undepurated from class B and below waters. Marine Scotland and DEFRA and working on this but if any company is concerned about the future trade of LBM’s into Europe or will be impacted can you please let us know at enquiries@seafoodscotland.org and we will pass your enquiry / issue on.
 
 
The Academy – Scotland Food & Drink

The Academy is a unique, market-focused, and commercially orientated training programme that helps Scottish food and drink businesses – at every stage of their growth journey – sell themselves, build their brands and thrive in grocery and foodservice markets.
This unique series of structured training programmes is designed by market-focused industry experts to enable real and sustainable business growth. Underpinned by tailored one-to-one support, each programme matches the needs of your business with appropriate specialists and mentors.
The Academy is focused on knowledge-sharing, upskilling, innovating and succeeding. It’s fundamentally about delivering real change for long term growth for your business. Change that’s rooted in the here and now, in the commercial realities of the world we live in but with an eye to the future, to ensure your business is agile.
No matter whether you’re a two-person start-up or a renowned, established brand we can offer you the expertise you need to give your business the extra edge.
What are the programmes on offer, and what are the differences between each?

• Seeding Growth is geared toward early-stage businesses or those towards the start of their growth journey to drive sales and opportunities beyond your local market.
• Accelerating Growth is for SMEs with aspirations to enter the next phase of growth and will help identify and unlock opportunities to increase penetration and sales in UK markets.
• Commercial Excellence is for highly ambitious commercial professionals and sales leaders in well established businesses looking to achieve significant market growth.

 
To read more about the programme click here.

Latest situation
It has been a dreadful three weeks of challenges for exporters. Groupage has been the source of greatest trouble with bureaucratic requirements being initially impossible for many consolidated loads. Alongside my other industry colleagues, I have been involved in separate Ministerial meetings with Fergus Ewing, DEFRA Ministers George Eustice and Victoria Prentice this week. There is now UK Government acknowledgement of the scale of the problem and officials in Scotland and London are working hard to tackle immediate problems. It should be noted that freight volumes between GB and the Continent remain considerably lower than normal so challenges may exacerbate in the coming weeks.

Groupage – a tentative restart
The movement of consolidated loads for different companies – groupage – restarted this week with very modest volumes. There needs to be a ramping up of this over the coming days for more companies to start trading again into the EU.
In the medium-term (within the coming weeks) ourselves and partners are exploring options to look at streamlining of bureaucracy, based on the evidence of the first three weeks of post-Brexit trade. There may be more information next week on a process to take that crucial work forward. 

Identifying common problems and steps to address them
One of the great challenges of recent days has been the sheer number of problem areas around the new, post-Brexit bureaucracy. As one problem is addressed, it seems as though another two emerge. In the last 24 hours, problems have ranged from typos on documents, incorrect batch numbers and wrong importer addresses to ridiculous debates about whether fish species needed translated into Dutch and whether official stamps should be in red or blue ink. Food Standards Scotland (FSS) continues to work hard on the ground at the three hubs to issue Export Health Certificates and tackle many of these individual problems. However problems exist on both sides of the Channel and within our member companies, whom are grappling with the new requirements. 
FSS have very kindly pulled together a list of the key issues the hubs are experiencing
 
For suppliers

• Discrepancies between the documents provided to the COs and the labels on the products checked (wrong ID mark, different batch numbers, different production dates, total number of boxes, weights, wrong supplier, etc.)
• Delays in the Hub obtaining the information from their suppliers
• Incomplete information from suppliers(number or incorrect commodity code, common name of product with no scientific name, etc)
• Excessive time required for the Hubs to verify the information before presenting the loads to the COs – if there is incomplete information the Hubs need to go back to the suppliers to get the right information – eg 3 separate batch numbers in the chiller for one load but the paperwork had two completely different batch numbers
• Mix up’s with destination – some goods for Northern Ireland were recorded on paperwork for Europe
• Wrong trailer numbers and wrong seal numbers given by hub
• Some loads arriving late so EHCs delayed

We also have numerous issues that have arisen and we are currently working with SG, APHA and Defra colleagues to resolve;

• Lack of clarity on how to certify Faroes product for EU
• BCPs want wild caught and farmed salmon on separate EHCs contrary to DEFRA guidance
• Several small quantity suppliers asking if they need an EHC for a few packets —-  and they do
• Considerable push back from suppliers about Supplier declarations provision
• Lack of clarity on export of whole scallops and crab meat
• Suppliers confused about approval numbers when in a complex chain
• Being asked about a Peterhead and Aberdeen hub
• Can fish defrost on same pallet as fresh ——- yes apparently
• Problems issuing EHCs for Norwegian Salmon being re-exported
• BCP considering rejecting fish supplied in water (and ice) —  claim its illegal – probably is but waiting DEFRA decision
• Commodity codes not recognised in HMRC export system – Monkfish cheeks and skate wings

We are also bringing in seafood consultants to support individual companies with 1-2-1 hands on support around paperwork, we will offer step by step guidance and also look at other issues your company is facing to continue to trade into the EU. This service will be free of charge. Please contact donna.fordyce@seafoodscotland.org and we will arrange this.
UK Government has released a new easy to follow guide of the Top Things Exporters Need to do Now which can be found here.

Compensation scheme for the seafood sector
There was good news and bad news within a £23 million compensation scheme announced by the UK Government for the seafood sector. The good news is that there are funds available. The bad news is that the detail is sketchy and some of it contradictory. It is not clear whether those catching can claim for damages as well as those processing. Proof is also required to show genuine loss and it’s unclear what the bureaucracy surrounding that will look like. Again, there will be more detail when it is published.

Dealing with freight on the “non-short straits”, to Netherlands and Belgium.
Much of the focus has been on challenges on routes to Calais and North West France. However, trade to Belgium and the Netherlands is also problematic. A webinar with the relevant authorities is taking place next Wednesday (27th) at 2pm. You’ll find the detail to register here.

Drivers hours derogation
Defra has confirmed to us this morning that a derogation to the normal drivers hours regulation is now in effect across the UK. This will assist in providing some flexibility should delays occur.
 
Update from In-Market in France
 
Update from the Ministry of Agriculture
A contact of mine from Boulogne sent me an email he received from a French Ministry of Agriculture representative
In this email, he confirms that this is end of the early 2021 “leniency” (he speaks of tolerance towards error) period and that they’ve received guidance to apply EU rules fully and strictly from Monday 25^th onward.
They have however witnessed a diminishing number of errors and issues.
FYI, the most common mistakes are:

• Missing health certificate
• Non registered exporting company
• Non validated status on Traces NT
• Wrong health certificate for the exported good
• Missing veterinarian/controller signature, missing stamp
• Wrong quantity of goods mentioned in the health certificate
• Wrong species, missing species
• Certificate signed after the departure of goods
• Wrong labelling (latin name, ISO code, etc.)
• Wild fish and farmed fish on the same certificate (this has been brought to their attention several times and has been corrected less quickly than other mistakes. If partners have questions on forms for wild fish, let me know)
• Strikethroughs
• Absence from the approved production area for bivalve molluscs (with exceptions)
• Unique reference number of the health certificate shown on several certificates
• Annex to the health certificate not attached to the certificate (Unique reference number, stamp, signature, date, pagination)

Another thing: companies need to be fully registered on the platform TRACES. Failure to do so will no longer be accepted. When a company registers, it gets a “new” status but it can only start exporting once this status moves to “validated”.
 
All those mistakes will stop the consignment at the border.

Webinars
Recorded Export Documents Session 20^th January 2021 – https://youtu.be/SqIuFFgObIM
 
Recorded webinars are still available on these two links:
Webinars and videos for organisations that trade with the EU – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  the latest quite comprehensive webinar from the Border & Protocol Delivery Group that took place last week
Help and support for UK transition – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (There are also details and links available on this link to upcoming webinars next week on Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary (next Wednesday 27^th) and Importing: what you need to know about Staged Controls (next Thursday 28^th))
 
Further food and drink-related recorded webinars are available here:
Export Health Certificates from Great Britain to the European Union

• Exporting Live Animals from Great Britain to the European Union
• Exporting Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from Great Britain to the European Union
• Exporting Composite Goods from Great Britain to the European Union
• Exporting Fish and Fishery Products for Human Consumption from Great Britain to the European Union

 
There is a free webinar from the Institute of Export and International Trade on Rules of Origin in the UK-EU TCA taking place next Tuesday 26^th:
Rules of Origin: free IOE&IT webinar on 26 January to outline solutions to new UK-EU trade rules – The Institute of Export and International Trade

Support During the Festive Period

Below is key websites and details of who to contact during the festive period for Brexit related issues.
 
The Website https://www.prepareforbrexit.scot/  will be continually updated with the latest guidance and should be the first place to look for information
 
If you cannot find what you are looking for on the website and would like to speak to someone please call  0300 303 0661
 
Seafish will also be updated their website with guidance which can be found here
 
If you are unable to find the answer to your question in their guidance then Seafish’s regulation team will be available to answer further questions on the end of the Brexit transition period over Christmas and New Year through a pre-bookable service. Between Monday 21 December 2020 and Monday 4 January 2021, seafood businesses looking for additional advice with specific issues, can book a half hour slot with one of Seafish’s team. This helpline service replaces the usual contact details for their team during the above period.
 
Follow the link here to pre-book a time slot which suits you. When making your booking please provide as much information as you can about the issues you are experiencing.

Other Brexit Information

Important update for Hauliers on market access rules from 1 January 2021 if there is no Free Trade Agreement

We appreciate current circumstances are very challenging for the haulage sector.  We are working to ensure that the appropriate arrangements are in place for hauliers after the Transition Period ends.  We said we would keep you updated on changes that affect you. 

Latest position

We continue to work hard to finalise an overall trade agreement with the EU.  That agreement should allow UK hauliers to carry goods to, from and through the EU with no restrictions.  Both sides continue to prepare for a situation where a trade agreement has not been concluded by 31 December.

On 10 December, the European Commission published a proposal for a Regulation covering basic connectivity with regard to both road freight, and road passenger transport. The EU Council has since approved the text with some changes (including the addition of some cabotage rights) and if the European Parliament endorses the text then it will be formally adopted.  This is expected to happen shortly.
If the Regulation is adopted in its current form, it will allow UK hauliers to make unlimited journeys to or from the EU until 30 June 2021, and some additional movements until 31 May:

• Until 28 Feb UK hauliers will be allowed to make two additional movements which can be either cross-trade*, cabotage** or one of each;
• between 1 March and 31 May hauliers will be allowed to make 1 additional movement which can be either cross-trade* or cabotage**.

This will cover the majority of journeys performed by UK hauliers to EU countries.  If an overall trade agreement with the EU is not concluded we will be working to put in place longer-term arrangements with the EU or Member States.
The EU Regulation will not allow transit to third countries.  If an overall trade agreement is not concluded, and if you need to transit the EU to a third country you will need an ECMT permit.   If you have been allocated an annual ECMT permit you have until 23.59 today to pay for the permit. 

What action should I take?

• Check your journeys are covered by the EU Regulation and consider in particular whether you need a permit for transit in January.

We will be able to issue short term permits for these journeys.  If you have not been allocated an annual ECMT permit then you should contact the DVSA at shorttermecmt@dvsa.gov.uk 

Permits will only be issued for journeys to the countries listed below and you may be asked to provide evidence of previous trips or future contracts.  While we assess demand, we will only issue permits to cover journeys that commence in January and you must return completed ECMT logbooks within two weeks of the expiry of the permit.  Arrangements for access after January will be confirmed in the New Year.

We are not able at this stage to issue short term permits for additional cross-trade journeys: hauliers must therefore operate within the rules of the EU Regulation and may also make use of the permit-free movements allowed under the ECMT regime – see pages 11 and 13 of the ECMT User Guide. 

Third countries where you may need an ECMT permit to transit the EU in January:

Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine***

* Cross-trade is moving goods between two EU Member States, e.g taking a load from Paris to Brussels.

**Cabotage is moving goods between two points within one EU Member State e.g. from Paris to Lille.

*** We expect the contingency regulation to be adopted by both Norway and Liechtenstein but this is not guaranteed before 1 January 2021. 

If not already done so, we invite you to fill in the Check, Change, Go online survey here which will highlight any gaps in your preparations. Hopefully, you have already done this.

Fish Export Service – If you are going to be exporting after 1st January into the EU you need to register with the Fish Export Service. Further details can be found here

Transportation – Guidance has been developed to for transportation of goods from UK to Europe and can be found here  Tip –  If you are transporting your own goods please ensure when sealing the lorry that you use a metal padlock and not plastic or it will be rejected.

Webinar recordings

Please find links below DEFRA’s recorded webinars that are now available on YouTube.  

• Exporting Live Animals from Great Britain to the European Union
• Exporting Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from Great Britain to the European Union
• Exporting Equines from Great Britain to the European Union
• Exporting Composite Goods from Great Britain to the European Union
• Exporting Fish and Fishery Products for Human Consumption from Great Britain to the European Union
• Export Health Certificates from Great Britain to the European Union

Marine Scotland & Seafish Webinars

• Importing and exporting non-live fisheries products to the EU
• Importing and exporting live fisheries products to the EU
• Moving Goods under the Nothern Ireland Protocol

Scotland Food and Drink has a very comprehensive guide to trading with the EU and can be found here

The Seafish Website has a number of resources that will be very useful for companies including Trade agreements and seafood tariffs https://www.seafish.org/trade-and-regulation/uk-exit-from-the-eu/trade-agreements-and-seafood-tariffs/

For companies who will be trading with Northern Ireland you need to make sure you have signed up to the Trader Support Service which can be found here – you will not be able to trade with this. You will also need to ensure your customers sign up to this too.

Marine Scotland and Seafish’s webinar series material to download:

• Trading non-live fishery product with the EU from the 1st January 2020 PowerPoint 
• Trading live fishery product with the EU from the 1st January 2020 PowerPoint
• Webinar series questions Word document

If there is any company who is really struggling to get answers to questions please ask us and we will try and find out the answer for you.

Export Markets Updates

Middle East

Update on food service

Food service sector is now finally picking up. Most restaurants are doing well during the weekends. However, with the lack of

tourists most restaurants situated in hotels aren’t doing as much business as they aren’t frequently visited by residents.

Update on retail

Going strong with online and in-store sales showing an increase. However, people still a bit cautious and not buying premium products as much as they would pre-Covid. This should change in 2021.

Feedback from the buyers

Retailers are now keen to look at new products, however, more of those that can generate volume sales, to start with.

Changes/impact on consumer behaviour

Most residents now eating outside on weekends, and physically going to supermarkets for shopping, in the UAE. It seems life is returning to normal.

Freight and logistics issues

In order to reduce airfreight (due to the high cost and reliance on it), many retailers are now looking at bringing in chilled products as frozen (via sea freight) and then defrost those products in the UAE and date code in their stores. Two major retailers, Spinneys and MAF Carrefour are looking into this and if this works (and okayed by Dubai Municipality) they would then import other chilled products in the same way, going forward.

Canada

Update on food service

Across Canada the elevated rates of positivity since Thanskgiving, particularly in western provinces have meant a tightening of restriction for dining. In Alberta, this has meant reduced seating or total closure of restaurants. The greater Toronto Area, the largest foodservice market, has moved to tighter restrictions from November 21st for 4 weeks, ostensibly closing in restaurant dining. The Province is also considering legislation to cap delivery fees in order to assist in business costs. The Government also introduced a federal rent subsidy which has been welcomed by Restaurant Canada (RC) in addition to extending the wage subsidy programme CERB. RC has reported the industry is at a tipping point and has urged the federal and provincial governments to continue to support the industry through the programmes until vaccines are widely distributed and cases reduce significantly. However out of restaurant dining continues to experience increases week on week as factors such as colder weather and more supply meet the demand from consumers and innovation in food formats continues.

Update on retail

Retail sales continue to grow Q on Q with major retailers reporting strong results in Q3. However, Q4 sales will be impacted by restrictions to family gathering sizes

USA

Update on food service

FS continues to be patchy across the US. Despite record case numbers in 25 states, with all but 10 states seeing increases, restriction vary considerably. However, out of restaurant is strong with delivery / takeout representing up 2/3 of revenues for some operators.

All eyes continue to be on Q4 where results are usually strongest. The prospect of the first wave of vaccines (up to 20 million) in December has seen hope for a quicker recovery.

Freight and logistics issues

Transatlantic flights remain at 1/3 of previous volume which continue to cause elevated pricing for freight particularly salmon / seafood. We may see this pick up in the next 2 quarters if capacity returns with vaccine rollouts.

China

Update on retail
E-commerce:

• China’s Singles Day shopping festival has grown into the world’s biggest shopping event. The sales figures showed that China’s potential in domestic demand remained promising.
• This year, at the shopping peak, 583,000 orders were placed in a single second on Alibaba’s business-to-customer platform Tmall, setting a new shopping record, while total sales on the platform surged to 498.2 billion yuan (about $74.1 billion) from Nov 1 to Nov 11, up 26 % year-on-year.
• Singles Day has become a national shopping festival. In addition to e-commerce platforms, offline convenience stores and supermarkets joined in offering discounts and service upgrades. Offline merchants, which take up more than 70 % of China’s total retail sales, have been actively participating in the event, leveraging online marketing tools to cash in on rising consumer enthusiasm.
• Livestreaming has become an increasingly important method for marketing in China with about 309 million live streaming e-commerce users as of June, China’s top live streaming host Viya, has sold 5.87 billion yuan ($890 million) in products from July to September.

Changes/impact on consumer behaviour
E-commerce:

• COVID-19 has altered the online shopping habits of elderly consumers. Elderly consumers prefer to spend more each time and buy less frequently. They favour fresh foods to ready-to-eat alternatives, which is in line with their habit of cooking at home.
• The cities with the highest per capita consumption of new users online are from lower-tier cities. The fourth to sixth- tier cities and townships will become new battlefields for e-commerce players due to the rise in local buyers’ disposable incomes and desire to upgrade their lifestyles by purchasing high-quality imported products.

Freight and logistics issues
E-commerce:

On Nov 11 alone, China’s express delivery firms handled 675 million parcels nationwide, up 26.16 % year-on- year, while the total number of parcels handled from Nov 1 to 11 reached 3.965 billion. ( source: the State Post Bureau)

Any other comments / challenges / opportunities
E-commerce

• The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement (RECP) has been signed by 15 Asia-Pacific countries on Nov.15. The RCEP is expected to increase trade integration between the 10 ASEAN countries, East Asian leaders (China, Japan, South Korea), and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand). It will boost the development of regional e- commerce, which includes the facilitation of paperless trading, electronic authentication and electronic signatures, as well as online personal information protection. (source : Ministry of Commerce)

Hong Kong

Update on food service

• As the number of new covid cases rose to the peak in recent weeks, HK government has reduced the maximum number of people per table at restaurants is restricted from 6 to 4; dine-in services are to cease operations at midnight.
• Live performance and dancing will be suspended in catering premises, including bars and nightclubs, and party rooms for holding social gatherings will be closed. These measures would be effective for 5 days starting from 22nd Nov.
• Attendance at banquets will be capped at 40.
• HK government made it compulsory for restaurants to display the Leave Home Safe QR code for easier tracing close contact with new cases.

Feedback from the buyers

An importer said the demand in healthy and natural products (e.g. products for keto diet, organic products, planted-based and vegan products) in HK is rising rapidly, so he has to adapt such demand by sourcing different products worldwide.

Freight and logistics issues
According to OAG Aviation Worldwide Ltd, the total passengers handled at HK International Airport dropped 85% in Nov 2020 compared to same time last year; yet if it just decreased 1.5% in Nov compared to Oct 2020.

Any other comments / challenges / opportunities

• The travel bubble between HK and Singapore was suspended for 2 weeks which was announced by the HK government on 21st Nov due to a sudden spike in Covid cases in HK.
• The government is planning to give a one-off HK$5,000 subsidy to employed citizens who are diagnosed with Covid- 19 and not covered by employee benefits. Such scheme was announced on 22nd Nov as an outbreak tied to dance clubs across HK ballooned and recorded the highest number of daily new infections in over 3 months.

Japan

Update on food service

• Nationwide, Japan reported 2,596 new cases 21/Nov, the fourth consecutive record-breaking day amid an ongoing nationwide surge that began in late October.
• Prime Minister Suga said the central government will secure ¥50 billion to provide financial support if and when governors call on local businesses to reduce or suspend operations.
• Government-funded programs (Go to Travel, Go to Eat) meant to subsidize the food, entertainment and tourism industries would proceed.

Update on retail

Most retail shops and restaurants are open though may have reduced hours. Large gatherings are restricted in size.

Feedback from the buyers

• The majority of buyers are even more reluctant to do new business since Covid-19 3rd wave has come late Oct.
• Watching carefully FTA between UK and Japan

Freight and logistics issues

• The freight costs remain high, and lots of businesses are suffering but number of flights has been recovering little by little.
• The sea freight delays schedule and also cost is 2-3 times higher than same period of last year.

Singapore

Update on food service

Lack of tourism still badly impacting hotels and licenced on trade.

Update on retail

• Online and offline shares for grocery business continue to slowly rebalance.
• Non-food retail appears to be well recovered.
• Travel retail decimated.

Feedback from the buyers

Not expecting any significant improvement in trade conditions until H2 2021.

Changes/impact on consumer behaviour

Downtown weekend shopping footfall looking quite normal/akin to pre-pandemic levels less tourism.

Freight and logistics issues

Air freight slowly improving in cost and frequency.

Any other comments / challenges / opportunities

• COVID position in Singapore remains positive in November with no community transmission and a small number of imported cases in quarantine.
• Stage 2 measures remain in place with restaurants committed to social distancing with respect to seating for patrons Bars that can open with food.

Travel bubble with Hong Kong on hold given rise in cases in HK this month

Brexit Information Hub

Guidance on the Marine Scotland website

Marine Scotland produced guidance material on international trade in 2019, preparatory to a potential no-deal Brexit – guidance. We would urge you to visit this website in the first instance, and consider downloading the guidance leaflets and following up the links that would be relevant to your business.

Preparing for Brexit on Scottish Government website

For additional comprehensive guidance from the Scottish Government, please visit this website: preparing for Brexit.

Fishing Vessel Registration and Inspection by LA’s – URGENT

Marine Scotland believes there is now good industry knowledge about the requirement for all vessels intending to put their catch into an export supply chain to be a registered food business. This requires an inspection, which will be undertaken by Local Authority officials. Food Standards Scotland has been leading this initiative, and details can be found here: guidance.

Listed Food Businesses

Although this topic will potentially be covered in some of the other guidance referred to in this paper, please also see: guidance.

UK Transition website

As a general portal to all things related to the end of the transition period, the UK government has launched its Transition website.

The Border Operating Model

Much of the information you will need to trade with EU Member States, whether as an importer or an exporter, is contained within the recently published Border Operating Model. This is an extensive document, and much of it is not relevant to the seafood sector. Nevertheless, some of the generic guidance to importers and exporters is valuable, and there are specific sections related to seafood sector trade. Webinars are available. Importers should note the UK government’s proposal to phase the requirements for imports over the first six months of 2021. In addition, there is a UK government consultation for 2025.

How to import and export goods between Great Britain and the EU from 1 January 2021

HM Revenue and Customs put this guidance material online on the 13^th of July.

Export Health Certificates

Seafood sector exporters will be aware of the need for Export Health Certificates after the end of the transition period, and this topic is covered in some of the other guidance referred to in this paper.  There is a lot of useful information contained within the following webpages. In addition you can search for available certificates. SG and FSS are proposing FSS leads on EHC provision at a minimum of two key logistics hubs in Scotland, which will operate a ‘groupage’ system to help food business export effectively and efficiently after the EU-exit transition period. More information will shortly be communicated, and will be available through the Brexit section of the FSS website: https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/about-us/brexit

Marine and Fisheries Compliance

Effective monitoring and enforcement of marine and fishing laws is vital if we are to protect Scotland’s valuable marine areas and fisheries. It is important that these are protected by detecting breaches of fisheries regulations by monitoring and inspection at sea and in ports, and then reporting as appropriate to the prosecuting authorities, and by providing intelligence on fishing activity in the sea areas around Scotland. Comprehensive guidance on all relevant issues, and particularly Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and Catch Certificates can be found here: guidance.

The Northern Ireland Protocol

The UK government recently published first a ‘command paper’ on the NI border, then the NI Business Guidance, which is intended to outline some of the requirements for the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The guidance includes a section on moving consignments of fish from GB to NI, and for GB vessels landing fish directly into NI. Other aspects of the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol are still subject to the outcome of negotiations. The working assumption is that Export Health Certificates (EHCs) will be required for trade in products of animal origin between GB and NI. Further guidance will be issued in due course.

MMO survey

The Marine Management Organisation has just launched a survey with registered users of the Catch Certificate system. MMO is only going to contact its English registered users, but there is an expectation that Scottish registered users should also get involved in the survey – and we would urge you to do so. The link to the survey is here.

Seafish Guidance

Seafish has produced guidance that will help prepare seafood businesses for the end of the transition period. It focusses on the day-to-day scenarios likely to be encountered. This includes food safety, traceability and trade, but does not cover issues arising from the UK’s future relationship with the EU.

Seafood Scotland Guidance

As Seafood Scotland notes “In light of the imminent departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union, it is essential that actions are taken by the Seafood industry to ensure continued success, deal or no deal”. The website contains helpful information and links.

Brexit

The Seafish Website has a number of resources that will be very useful for companies including Trade agreements and seafood tariffs https://www.seafish.org/trade-and-regulation/uk-exit-from-the-eu/trade-agreements-and-seafood-tariffs/
 
A guide to exporting products into the EU with a helpful list of questions which you can click onto for answers.
https://www.seafish.org/trade-and-regulation/uk-exit-from-the-eu/i-export-seafood-from-great-britain/
 
Marine Scotland and Seafish’s webinar series material to download: 

• Trading non-live fishery product with the EU from the 1st January 2020 PowerPoint 
• Trading live fishery product with the EU from the 1st January 2020 PowerPoint
• Webinar series questions Word document

If there is any company who is really struggling to get answers to questions please ask us and we will try and find out the answer for you.

Webinars

Three webinars are being organised by Marine Scotland and Seafish to help seafood businesses prepare for changes to import and export processes for trade with the EU and Northern Ireland, that will come into effect from 1 January 2021. Click here for more information.

• 12 November 10am – 11.30am  – Importing and exporting non-live fishery products –  Please register by emailing Jacquelyn.McDonald@gov.scot by 4pm on 11 November or sign in via Zoom Link – Meeting ID 844 3330 8159 / Passcode: 744400.
• 18 November 10am – 11.30am – Importing and exporting live fishery products – sign in via Zoom Link – Meeting ID: 880 8018 6577 / Passcode: 089907
• 2 December 10am – 11.30am – Moving goods under the Northern Ireland Protocol – sign in via Zoom Link – Meeting ID: 834 0155 3599 / Passcode: @8nFv#

EU Settlement Scheme
 
the UK has now left the EU.  EU citizens and their families will have to apply to the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 in order to continue living, working and studying in the UK after that date.
 
Scotland deeply values the contribution EU citizens make to our society, culture and economy and we want people to stay in Scotland. We have produced a package of support to help guide people on how to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.  
 
We need your help to get the word out to all EU citizens living in Scotland.  To help you do this we have created a Stay in Scotland Toolkit with a range of materials:

• A3 poster
• A5 information leaflets (available in English and 21 additional languages)
• EU Exit Fact Sheet
• Guides for EU Citizens and Employers
• Radio advert
• Animated gif
• Static images
• Suggested copy for use on website and social media channels

Download all the assets and toolkit via WeTransfer here: https://we.tl/t-yR4hkIr2me
 
We would be most grateful if you can print and display these in public spaces and areas visible to EU citizens and share across your networks using #WeAreScotland, pointing people to www.mygov.scot/stayinscotland
 
 
HMRC urges traders to act now to prepare for 1 January 2021
 
HMRC has written to VAT-registered traders highlighting actions they need to take to continue trading with the EU from 1 January 2021.
Below is also basic guidance taken from Gov.UK  as to when you are required to register for VAT
“You must register for VAT if:

• you expect your VAT taxable turnover to be more than £85,000 in the next 30-day period
• your business had a VAT taxable turnover of more than £85,000 over the last 12 months

You might also need to register in some other cases, depending on the kinds of goods or services you sell and where you sell them.
If you’ll exceed the VAT threshold in the next 30-day period
You must register if you realise that your total VAT taxable turnover is going to be more than £85,000 in the next 30-day period.
You have to register by the end of that 30-day period. Your effective date of registration is the date you realised, not the date your turnover went over the threshold.”

• Border Operating Model.

Key aspects of the BOM:
 
From 1 January 2021, the model states that traders need to:

• Understand the requirements of EU Member States. The necessary processes must have been done and documentation completed to comply with these requirements.
• GB EORI – Traders will need a GB EORI number to move goods to or from the UK. Check your EORI number. Apply for a new one if yours does not start with GB.
• EU EORI – If undertaking any EU customs processes, traders will need an EU EORI.
• If you are an importer, check which goods are on the controlled goods list- If your good is on the controlled goods list, you will need to complete full customs declarations from January.
• If you are importing non-controlled goods, decide whether to delay the customs declaration for up to six months or complete full customs declarations on import.
• Decide how to complete customs formalities: Most traders are expected to use a customs intermediary. These are experts who can make declarations on your behalf.
• Duty Deferment Account (DDA) – A DDA allows holders to delay customs duty, excise duty and import duty, to be paid once a month rather than on individual consignments.
• Check to see if a facilitation would benefit the business- there are a number of facilitations, including the Common Transit Convention, to help import and export goods.
• If you are importing live animals or high-priority plants and plant products, you need to be prepared for submitting additional documentation and checks taking place at point of destination.
• If you are an exporter, be prepared to submit customs export declarations from January.
• If you are a haulier, be ready to use the “Check an HGV is ready” service.

At this first stage, you do not need to:

• Submit Safety & Security declarations.
• Submit full customs declarations at the point of import, if you are importing a non-controlled good and you decide to delay your declaration for up to six months.
• Traders importing non-controlled goods, covering everything from clothes to electronics, will need to prepare for basic customs requirements, such as keeping sufficient records of imported goods. Traders will also need to consider how they account for and pay VAT on imported goods. Traders will then have up to six months to complete customs declarations. While tariffs will be payable where due on relevant goods, payments can be deferred until the customs declaration has been made. UK Safety and Security declarations will not be required on imports for the first six months.
• There will also be physical checks at the point of destination or other approved premises on all high-risk live animals and high-priority plants and plant products, and a requirement to obtain the relevant documentation and pre-notify for certain movements, but they will not be required to enter GB via a point of entry with an appropriate Border Control Post (BCP).
• Export declarations and UK exit Safety and Security declarations will be required for all goods. Traders importing and exporting goods using the Common Transit Convention will need to follow all of the transit procedures – these will not be introduced in stages. The Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) will be introduced from January only for transit movements.

From April 2021:

• All products of animal origin (POAO) and all regulated plants and plant products will also require pre-notification and the relevant health documentation. Any physical checks will continue to be conducted at the point of destination until July 2021.

From April 2021, you must:

• If traders are importing Products of Animal Origin (POAO) or a regulated plant and plant product, traders must be prepared to submit pre-notification and the relevant health documentation.

You do not need to:

• If you are not importing Products of Animal Origin or a regulated plant, you do not need to make any changes from January 2021 requirements.

From July 2021:

• Traders moving any goods will have to make full customs declarations at the point of importation and pay relevant tariffs. Delaying declarations will not be possible.
• Full Safety & Security declarations will be required, while for commodities subject to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls, these must arrive at an established point of entry with an appropriate BCP and there will be an increase in physical checks and the taking of samples. SPS checks for animals, plants and their products will take place at GB BCPs. The GVMS will be in place for all imports, exports and transit movements at border locations which have chosen to introduce it.
• From July 2021, you must:
• Meet full customs requirements including submitting declarations, regardless of whether it is a controlled or a non-controlled good, as well as paying VAT and excise duty where necessary
• Submit Safety & Security declarations
• Be prepared for customs compliance checks either at port or an inland site
• Be prepared for relevant SPS goods to enter GB via a Border Control Post either at port or an inland site, accompanied by SPS documentary requirements.
• You must not:
• Fail to complete customs, VAT and excise requirements
• Fail to submit goods to any necessary physical and documentary checks at GB Border Control Posts.

 
links to the Border Operating Model and UK and EU Border Control Posts – this information is available here:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-border-operating-model
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-border-control-posts-animal-and-animal-product-imports
• https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/vet-border-control/bip_en

Brexit Information Hub

Guidance on the Marine Scotland website
 
Marine Scotland produced guidance material on international trade in 2019, preparatory to a potential no-deal Brexit – guidance. We would urge you to visit this website in the first instance, and consider downloading the guidance leaflets and following up the links that would be relevant to your business.
 
Preparing for Brexit on Scottish Government website
 
For additional comprehensive guidance from the Scottish Government, please visit this website: preparing for Brexit.
 
Fishing Vessel Registration and Inspection by LA’s – URGENT
 
Marine Scotland believes there is now good industry knowledge about the requirement for all vessels intending to put their catch into an export supply chain to be a registered food business. This requires an inspection, which will be undertaken by Local Authority officials. Food Standards Scotland has been leading this initiative, and details can be found here: guidance.
 
Listed Food Businesses
 
Although this topic will potentially be covered in some of the other guidance referred to in this paper, please also see: guidance.
 
UK Transition website
 
As a general portal to all things related to the end of the transition period, the UK government has launched its Transition website.
 
The Border Operating Model
 
Much of the information you will need to trade with EU Member States, whether as an importer or an exporter, is contained within the recently published Border Operating Model. This is an extensive document, and much of it is not relevant to the seafood sector. Nevertheless, some of the generic guidance to importers and exporters is valuable, and there are specific sections related to seafood sector trade. Webinars are available. Importers should note the UK government’s proposal to phase the requirements for imports over the first six months of 2021. In addition, there is a UK government consultation for 2025.
 
 
How to import and export goods between Great Britain and the EU from 1 January 2021
 
HM Revenue and Customs put this guidance material online on the 13^th of July.
 
Export Health Certificates
 
Seafood sector exporters will be aware of the need for Export Health Certificates after the end of the transition period, and this topic is covered in some of the other guidance referred to in this paper.  There is a lot of useful information contained within the following webpages. In addition you can search for available certificates. SG and FSS are proposing FSS leads on EHC provision at a minimum of two key logistics hubs in Scotland, which will operate a ‘groupage’ system to help food business export effectively and efficiently after the EU-exit transition period. More information will shortly be communicated, and will be available through the Brexit section of the FSS website: https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/about-us/brexit
 
Marine and Fisheries Compliance
 
Effective monitoring and enforcement of marine and fishing laws is vital if we are to protect Scotland’s valuable marine areas and fisheries. It is important that these are protected by detecting breaches of fisheries regulations by monitoring and inspection at sea and in ports, and then reporting as appropriate to the prosecuting authorities, and by providing intelligence on fishing activity in the sea areas around Scotland. Comprehensive guidance on all relevant issues, and particularly Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and Catch Certificates can be found here: guidance.
 
The Northern Ireland Protocol
 
The UK government recently published first a ‘command paper’ on the NI border, then the NI Business Guidance, which is intended to outline some of the requirements for the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The guidance includes a section on moving consignments of fish from GB to NI, and for GB vessels landing fish directly into NI. Other aspects of the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol are still subject to the outcome of negotiations. The working assumption is that Export Health Certificates (EHCs) will be required for trade in products of animal origin between GB and NI. Further guidance will be issued in due course.
 
MMO survey
 
The Marine Management Organisation has just launched a survey with registered users of the Catch Certificate system. MMO is only going to contact its English registered users, but there is an expectation that Scottish registered users should also get involved in the survey – and we would urge you to do so. The link to the survey is here.
 
 
Seafish Guidance
 
Seafish has produced guidance that will help prepare seafood businesses for the end of the transition period. It focusses on the day-to-day scenarios likely to be encountered. This includes food safety, traceability and trade, but does not cover issues arising from the UK’s future relationship with the EU.
 
Seafood Scotland Guidance
 
As Seafood Scotland notes “In light of the imminent departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union, it is essential that actions are taken by the Seafood industry to ensure continued success, deal or no deal”. The website contains helpful information and links.

Customs documentation.
 
This is an area that will be unfamiliar to a number of companies if you have only exported within the EU. Companies will need to decide who they want to use as a customs agent, a list can be found here  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/list-of-customs-agents-and-fast-parcel-operators
. It would also be beneficial for your company to also have knowledge within this area and there is funding available to support this training.
 
You can apply for 3 grants to help your business complete customs declarations.
You can apply to get funding for:

• training that helps your business to complete customs declarations and processes
• hiring new staff to help your business complete customs declarations
• IT improvements to help your business complete customs declarations more efficiently

What you must use the grants for:

Recruitment
You must use the funding to cover the recruitment and salary costs of new employees, where the new employee started on or after 12 June 2020, who will help your business complete customs declarations.
You can also use the funding to cover the salary costs of employees who are redeployed from another part of your business in order to undertake customs declarations. These employees new roles must increase the capacity of the company to deal with customs declarations.

Training
The training must give you or your employees the skills to:

• complete customs declarations
• carry out customs processes – this can include relevant training in safety and security

The training does not have to lead to a formal qualification.
If you want to arrange the training internally, you can use the funding for the
cost of delivering the training, like related stationery, room hire, catering and travel and subsistence costs.
If the training will be delivered by an in-house trainer, you can also use the funding to cover the (reasonable) day rate of the trainer.
You cannot use the funding for other unrelated training
You can also use the grant to reimburse what your business has spent on relevant training since 12 June 2020.

IT improvements
You must use the funding to buy software that will help your business to complete customs declarations more efficiently.
It must be a ready-made solution – you cannot use the funding to commission bespoke software.
You can also use the funding to:

• buy hardware that’s needed for the software to run
• install and configure the software and hardware
• buy the first year licence
• train employees to use the software

You cannot use the funding for unrelated networking costs.
You can also use the grant to reimburse what your business has spent on relevant IT improvements since 12 June 2020.
You can apply for the funding here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/grants-for-businesses-that-complete-customs-declarations
 

Trade with non-EU countries at the end of Transition.

the UK is pursuing its own independent trade policy, having left the EU, including the Single Market and Customs Union (in the case of GB, at least). The UK had signed, in principle a new free trade agreement with Japan which, though not a like-for-like replacement of the EU-Japan FTA which came into force in February 2019, it is largely based on its provisions. This will come into force for the UK once we leave the Transition Period. The removal of tariffs as part of the agreement was destined to take many years, with full application of a tariff-free agreement for seafood not expected until 2033, it is understood that the UK-Japan agreement replicated the EU-Japan agreement with regard to seafood tariffs.

the UK was also now in trade negotiations with the United States, Australia and New Zealand, and seeking accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This agreement includes countries like Mexico, Australia, Japan, Singapore and Canada and is the third largest free trade area under an overarching agreement in the world. RL also added that the UK was additionally in bilateral negotiations to try to replicate as far as possible EU agreements with the likes of Canada, Mexico and Vietnam. RL went on to confirm that trade agreements with two of the three EEA-EFTA countries (Iceland and Norway), as well as agreements with Turkey and a number of countries in the Western Balkans, were still under negotiation, while a trade and cooperation agreement with Ukraine has actually been announced earlier in the day. RD confirmed that Ukraine was one of the main export markets for Scottish mackerel.  

Negotiations with Iceland and Norway are closely linked to the negotiations with the EU before adding that rollover trade agreements had already been negotiated and agreed with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and various North African and Middle Eastern countries. RL confirmed that, in total, there were about 19 finalised rolled over agreements with about 18 others that are still being negotiated but with no guarantees that these will be finalised by the end of the Transition Period.

sometimes there is a lack of clarity on the practical implications of agreements either being signed or lapsing but that DIT has improved their reporting of details on their website recently. Without an agreement, it should be expected by companies that WTO Rules would underpin the trade relationships in question and that Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariffs would apply.
  
Information on UK trade agreements with non-EU countries – this information is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-trade-agreements-with-non-eu-countries ; https://www.gov.uk/government/news/negotiations-on-the-uks-future-trading-relationship-with-the-australia-update ;
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/negotiations-on-the-uks-future-trading-relationship-with-new-zealand-update ;
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/negotiations-on-the-uks-future-trading-relationship-with-the-us-update–3 ;
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-takes-major-step-towards-membership-of-trans-pacific-free-trade-area

Tariffs:
Companies need to familiarise themselves with databases and commodity codes covering tariffs if they haven’t already, and likewise any Rules of Origin that may apply in any new trade agreements, either with the EU or other blocs or countries. These are important both for the purposes of exporting and importing.

Information on tariff databases – this information is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-tariffs-from-1-january-2021 ;
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/finding-commodity-codes-for-imports-or-exports ;
https://www.gov.uk/topic/business-tax/import-export ;
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rules-of-origin ;
https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff ;
https://madb.europa.eu/madb/indexPubli.htm

Operation Brock
 
What UK Government proposed in their Consultation
 
We outlined that there may be a need for a contingency plan which would provide certain commodities the opportunity to bypass part of the Operation Brock system if queues build up.
We set out the government’s view that prioritisation of goods would be justifiable if 2 or more of the following criteria were met:

• the goods are highly perishable and will lose most of, or all their value, within 5 days or less (for example, without additional refrigeration, freezing or other intervention, which would not be possible)
• the ‘perishable’ goods concerned are live animals and would give rise to animal welfare concerns if not moved in a timely manner
• delays to the goods would give rise to a disproportionate economic impact on a geographical area of the UK

Based upon the criteria above, the government identified 2 sectors where a contingency to prioritise goods would be justifiable. These were single loads of live or fresh seafood products for human consumption, or of day-old chicks. These products are highly perishable and are highly dependent upon being exported through the Short Straits (as the most efficient route to the EU market, or as transit for onward movement to third countries) in a timely and financially viable fashion. DOCs are live animals and must arrive at their destination within 72 hours of hatching, to ensure compliance with animal health legislation. They cannot be fed in their vehicle and delays risk dehydration and mortality.

Government response
The overall response to the proposed contingency arrangements for prioritising these goods was positive, so we’ll be taking forward our proposals.
Defra estimates that on average about 70 HCVs a day would be carrying live or fresh seafood products or DOCs. In the context of the overall volumes of vehicles using the Short Straits, we consider that this is a small enough number to accommodate such arrangements. A specific route for the prioritised vehicles has been agreed with the KRF, with use of the contraflow past the Operation Brock queues by outbound HCVs conditional on having a ‘priority goods permit’. Using the contraflow without the requisite permit could see the HCV driver stopped and fined.
In summary, implementation of a prioritisation approach will work as follows:

• a driver of a prioritised HCV would need to obtain a valid KAP from the ‘Check an HGV’ service
• they would then be instructed to travel to a Prioritisation Control Site (PCS) where the presence of a valid KAP would be confirmed. If they do not have a valid KAP, they’d be liable to be issued with an FPN and fine. Further guidance on the location of the PCS and the instructions on when the site is in use will be confirmed shortly
• if the ‘Check an HGV’ service were unavailable, a manual border readiness check would also be conducted at the PCS
• an HCV carrying prioritised exports that was deemed to be border ready and with a valid KAP, will be issued with a physical Priority Goods Permit and 2 retro-reflective stickers (one to be displayed at the front and back of the vehicle), and would be allowed to proceed down the priority route to the border, using the contraflow to bypass the Operation Brock queues

To reduce the risk of abuse, document checks and some spot checks (that is, physical inspections of the cargo of the HCV) would be conducted at the PCS to ensure the load is as stated, and qualifies for prioritisation.
Those found to be abusing the system, that is, not carrying only priority goods, would be issued a £300 fine and instructed, if in possession of a valid KAP, to proceed via the normal, prescribed route, joining any queues that have formed
No further commodities have been deemed to meet the criteria for prioritisation for the purpose of this contingency plan
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/enforcing-operation-brock-plans-in-2021/outcome/enforcing-operation-brock-in-2021-government-response-to-consultation-on-proposed-legislative-amendments
 
 
Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) Final Report on UK Shortage Occupation List (SOL) – recommendations to UK Govt, the MAC’s recommendations relevant to the seafood sector are:

• The MAC recommends partially adding SOC code 5119 (agricultural and fishing trades n.e.c.) to the UK SOL only for those in the fishing industry.

This occupation is ranked low on the RQF3-5 shortage indicators and the vacancy to employee ratio is well below the median for eligible occupations.
However, stakeholders in the fishing industry have stated their concerns and there is evidence to suggest a UK-wide shortage in this part of the occupation.
Job roles including ‘captain’, ‘skipper’ and ‘fisherman’ are classified under SOC 5119.

• The MAC recommends classifying ‘deckhands on large fishing vessels (9 metres and above)’ under SOC code 9119 as RQF3 and therefore to be eligible for the Skilled Worker route.

For this job title, they recommend including a requirement for the applicant to have at least three years full time experience using their skills.
The MAC said they recognise that there may be operational challenges given the rules on operating inside compared to outside territorial waters, which the Home Office will want to consider. Other relevant roles under code 9119 (including fish husbandry in the aquaculture sector) are not recommended for classifying/upgrading to RQF3.

• All jobs in occupation code 2112 (biological scientists and biochemists – includes broodstock geneticists) are recommended to go on UK SOL (relevant to aquaculture).
• The MAC does not recommend adding SOC Code 5433 (fishmongers, fish processors and poultry dressers) to the UK SOL but does recommend inclusion to the NI-only SOL.
• The MAC does not recommend adding SOC code 4134 (transport and distribution clerks and assistants) to the UK SOL.

The online job posts to employee ratio is above the median, however, the occupation ranks low by RQF3-5 shortage indicator rank and pay growth has been negative (2016-2019). Although some stakeholder evidence highlighting difficulties was received, on balance there was not enough evidence in the MAC’s view to indicate a UK-wide shortage.

• It is unclear/not explicit but SOC Code 8211 (drivers of large goods vehicles) does not appear to be recommended for classifying/upgrading to RQF3 and thus is not eligible for inclusion on the UK SOL.
• Occupations below RQF3 have never been eligible for the current Tier 2 (General) route and will not be eligible for the new Skilled Worker route.

The report is available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/922019/SOL_2020_Report_Final.pdf

Government publishes updated GB-EU border operating model
On Thursday 8 October the Government published an updated Border Operating Model, which provides further detail on how the GB-EU border will work and the actions that traders, hauliers and passengers need to take. 

The updated GB-EU Border Operating Model:

• Maps out the intended locations of inland border infrastructure. The sites will provide additional capacity to carry out checks on freight.
• Announces that passports will be required for entry into the UK from October 2021 as the Government phases out the use of EU, EEA and Swiss national identity cards.
• Confirms, after extensive engagement with industry, that a Kent Access Permit will be mandatory for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes using the short strait channel crossings in Kent. The easy-to-use ‘Check an HGV’ service will allow hauliers to check if they have the correct customs documentation and obtain a Kent Access Permit.

Exports of seafood to the EU
Exporters are encouraged to take three simple steps:

1. Go online and apply for a GB EORI number (a number which helps customs identify their goods). You will need this to trade with the EU after 31 December 2020.
2. Decide how you want to fulfil new customs requirements – some businesses will do this themselves; many will want to use a customs agent or intermediary and should identify one now.
3. Talk to businesses in the EU you trade with to ensure they are familiar with the new import requirements from the end of the transition period.

Details of the specific requirements for exporting fish and shellfish are provided from page 167 of the Border Operating model.

Imports of seafood from the EU
The UK Government has taken the decision to introduce the new border controls in three stages up until 1 July 2021to give industry extra time to make necessary arrangements.

The stages are:

1. From January 2021: Most imports of marine caught fish and some shellfish will need to be accompanied by a Catch Certificate (and other relevant IUU documents as required).EU-registered fishing vessels intending to land their catch directly into GB must land into an appropriately designated port in line with IUU fishing rules and the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) convention.

2. From April 2021: there will be new requirements for fishery products for human consumption to be accompanied by an EHC. There will also be new requirements for importers to submit prenotifications for fishery products via IPAFFS in advance of the goods’ arrival

3. From July 2021: Commodities subject to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls, these must arrive at an established point of entry with an appropriate BCP.
Further details of the import requirements for seafood are on pages 61, 94 and 123 of the Border Operating Model.

EHC Online registration now open
From 1 January 2021 all exports of fish and seafood, including aquaculture products, except direct landings of fish from UK-flagged fishing vessels to the EU will require an Export Health Certificate (EHC). Exporters can apply for EHCs online and can register for the online service before their first application is made. You can prepare now by registering via gov.uk. Guidance is available on how to get an EHC and when is the right time to apply here. You can also view examples of EU EHCs on Defra’s Form Finder. 

Protecting food and drink names from 1 January 2021 – new UK GI logos
On 28 September the new UK GI logos were made available to download on GOV.UK. These logos, and the rules for using them, were shared with GI producers, retailers and enforcement bodies via email. The GIs policy team will be hosting an online teach-in session on the new UK GI schemes. Please contact the team at protectedfoodnames@defra.gov.uk if you would like to attend.

Funding Support for Remote Training in Scotland’s Seafood Industry 
There is still a very limited amount of funding support available for seafood companies to undertake training. Full details of the courses can be found here

Production Staff Wanted
There is a growing number of companies throughout Scotland making contact with vacancies within their operations. If any companies are making redundancies or knows of anyone looking for employment can they please contact enquiries@seafoodscotland.org

Last week we highlighted the very first step companies should be doing if they haven’t already done so is the Check, Change, Go survey here which will highlight any gaps in your preparations. Hopefully you have already done this.

DEFRA have organised a series of webinars to assist you with your preparations for the end of the transition period. The webinars are scheduled take place throughout October and November and will provide key information to enable you to continue exporting your products from Great Britain to the European Union. To register for these webinars it is done through zoom and I cannot link the register address onto this newsletter. If you are interested in any of the events below please let me know and I will send you the link details by email – apologies.

 Exporting Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from Great Britain to the European Union

Thursday 15 October 2020 10:30am -12:00pm

This session will cover:
• The steps businesses need to follow to export products of animal origin from Great Britain (GB) to the European Union (EU)
• The preparation steps that can be taken before the 31 December 2020
• Information on guidance documentation and links for further information
• Where businesses can get support and advice lines available
• An opportunity to ask questions to a panel of experts

Exporting Fish and Fishery Products from Great Britain to the European Union

Monday 19 October 2020 10:30am -12:00pm

This session will cover:
• The steps businesses need to follow to export fish and fishery products from Great Britain (GB) to the European Union (EU)
• The preparation steps that can be taken before the 31 December 2020
• Information on guidance documentation and links for further information • Where businesses can get support and advice lines available
• An opportunity to ask questions to a panel of experts 

Export Health Certificate requirements from 1 January 2021 – Live Animals / Live Stock

Thursday 22 October 2020 09:30am – 11:00am

This session will cover:
• What are Export Health Certificates (EHC)?
• Why do I need an and how do I obtain one?
• EHC online service – registration and demonstration of system
• Role of a Certifying Officer
• Where businesses can get support and advice lines available
• An opportunity to ask questions to a panel of experts Note: In this session a live animals or livestock EHC will be used as an example for the online system demonstration

Export Health Certificate requirements from 1 January 2021 – Fish

Monday 9 November 2020 09:30am – 11:00am

This session will cover:
• What are Export Health Certificates (EHC)?
• Why do I need an EHC and how do I obtain one?
• EHC online service – registration and demonstration of system
• Role of a Certifying Officer
• Where businesses can get support and advice lines available
• An opportunity to ask questions to a panel of experts Note: In this session a fish EHC will be used as an example for the online system demonstration

Exporting Marketing Standards / Labelling / Health ID Marks from Great Britain to the European Union

Tuesday 3 November 2020 11:30am – 12:30pm

This session will cover:
• Understand marketing standards for your goods
• How you need to label your good to export to the European Union (EU)
• What health ID marks are available and how to use them for good you export to the EU
• Where businesses can get support and advice lines available
• An opportunity to ask questions to a panel of experts 
 

EMPLOYING TALENT FROM EUROPE AND BEYOND Webinar:
What’s changing in Jan 2021 and how this impacts current Tier 2 licence holders

14th October 10-11am 

What’s changing in January 2021 and how this impacts current Tier 2 licence holders For Scottish employers faced with skills shortages in the domestic labour market, recruiting talent from overseas is often critical to the growth of the business. With the imminent changes to the UK immigration system as a result of Brexit, the aim of this webinar is to inform companies who already have a sponsor licence on what is changing once free movement of people ends. This 60 minute webinar is aimed at Scottish based SMEs. The webinar will be led by TalentScotland and supported by their immigration specialists Brodies LLP and will cover: • Overview of the new UK immigration system • Who is exempt from sponsorship • What you can do to prepare now • Potential Costs and time associated with this • Brief overview of Tier 2 sponsorship duties • Outline of support available through TalentScotland

Register here.

Brexit Information Hub

Guidance on the Marine Scotland website
 
Marine Scotland produced guidance material on international trade in 2019, preparatory to a potential no-deal Brexit – guidance. We would urge you to visit this website in the first instance, and consider downloading the guidance leaflets and following up the links that would be relevant to your business.
 
Preparing for Brexit on Scottish Government website
 
For additional comprehensive guidance from the Scottish Government, please visit this website: preparing for Brexit.
 
Fishing Vessel Registration and Inspection by LA’s – URGENT
 
Marine Scotland believes there is now good industry knowledge about the requirement for all vessels intending to put their catch into an export supply chain to be a registered food business. This requires an inspection, which will be undertaken by Local Authority officials. Food Standards Scotland has been leading this initiative, and details can be found here: guidance.
 
Listed Food Businesses
 
Although this topic will potentially be covered in some of the other guidance referred to in this paper, please also see: guidance.
 
UK Transition website
 
As a general portal to all things related to the end of the transition period, the UK government has launched its Transition website.
 
The Border Operating Model
 
Much of the information you will need to trade with EU Member States, whether as an importer or an exporter, is contained within the recently published Border Operating Model. This is an extensive document, and much of it is not relevant to the seafood sector. Nevertheless, some of the generic guidance to importers and exporters is valuable, and there are specific sections related to seafood sector trade. Webinars are available. Importers should note the UK government’s proposal to phase the requirements for imports over the first six months of 2021. In addition, there is a UK government consultation for 2025.
 
 
How to import and export goods between Great Britain and the EU from 1 January 2021
 
HM Revenue and Customs put this guidance material online on the 13^th of July.
 
Export Health Certificates
 
Seafood sector exporters will be aware of the need for Export Health Certificates after the end of the transition period, and this topic is covered in some of the other guidance referred to in this paper.  There is a lot of useful information contained within the following webpages. In addition you can search for available certificates. SG and FSS are proposing FSS leads on EHC provision at a minimum of two key logistics hubs in Scotland, which will operate a ‘groupage’ system to help food business export effectively and efficiently after the EU-exit transition period. More information will shortly be communicated, and will be available through the Brexit section of the FSS website: https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/about-us/brexit
 
Marine and Fisheries Compliance
 
Effective monitoring and enforcement of marine and fishing laws is vital if we are to protect Scotland’s valuable marine areas and fisheries. It is important that these are protected by detecting breaches of fisheries regulations by monitoring and inspection at sea and in ports, and then reporting as appropriate to the prosecuting authorities, and by providing intelligence on fishing activity in the sea areas around Scotland. Comprehensive guidance on all relevant issues, and particularly Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and Catch Certificates can be found here: guidance.
 
The Northern Ireland Protocol
 
The UK government recently published first a ‘command paper’ on the NI border, then the NI Business Guidance, which is intended to outline some of the requirements for the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The guidance includes a section on moving consignments of fish from GB to NI, and for GB vessels landing fish directly into NI. Other aspects of the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol are still subject to the outcome of negotiations. The working assumption is that Export Health Certificates (EHCs) will be required for trade in products of animal origin between GB and NI. Further guidance will be issued in due course.
 
MMO survey
 
The Marine Management Organisation has just launched a survey with registered users of the Catch Certificate system. MMO is only going to contact its English registered users, but there is an expectation that Scottish registered users should also get involved in the survey – and we would urge you to do so. The link to the survey is here.
 
 
Seafish Guidance
 
Seafish has produced guidance that will help prepare seafood businesses for the end of the transition period. It focusses on the day-to-day scenarios likely to be encountered. This includes food safety, traceability and trade, but does not cover issues arising from the UK’s future relationship with the EU.
 
Seafood Scotland Guidance
 
As Seafood Scotland notes “In light of the imminent departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union, it is essential that actions are taken by the Seafood industry to ensure continued success, deal or no deal”. The website contains helpful information and links.

As we know we are coming to the end of the transition period and come the 1st January we will become an independent coastal state. A lot of information is in the public domain and a lot of organisations are issuing guidance. Seafood Scotland has set up a Brexit Working Group and will work through the key issues with stakeholders and provide all the information you require to continue to trade on the 1st January 2021. Over the coming weeks Seafood Scotland and other key stakeholders will work together to provide easy to follow guidance, webinars and a forum to highlight issues and concerns that are not being addressed or where there is no clear guidance.

In the blue box below you will see the guidance that has been produced by Scottish Government Brexit team for anyone wanting to access further information. We will be breaking this information down over the coming weeks for key subjects.

Last week we highlighted the very first step companies should be doing if they haven’t already done so is the Check, Change, Go survey here which will highlight any gaps in your preparations. Hopefully you have already done this.

DEFRA have organised a series of webinars to assist you with your preparations for the end of the transition period. The webinars are scheduled take place throughout October and November and will provide key information to enable you to continue exporting your products from Great Britain to the European Union. Please see relevant webinar details below

 Exporting Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from Great Britain to the European Union

Thursday 15 October 2020 10:30am -12:00pm

This session will cover:
• The steps businesses need to follow to export products of animal origin from Great Britain (GB) to the European Union (EU)
• The preparation steps that can be taken before the 31 December 2020
• Information on guidance documentation and links for further information
• Where businesses can get support and advice lines available
• An opportunity to ask questions to a panel of experts
Register here 

Exporting Fish and Fishery Products from Great Britain to the European Union

Monday 19 October 2020 10:30am -12:00pm

This session will cover:
• The steps businesses need to follow to export fish and fishery products from Great Britain (GB) to the European Union (EU)
• The preparation steps that can be taken before the 31 December 2020
• Information on guidance documentation and links for further information • Where businesses can get support and advice lines available
• An opportunity to ask questions to a panel of experts 
Register here

Export Health Certificate requirements from 1 January 2021 – Live Animals / Live Stock

Thursday 22 October 2020 09:30am – 11:00am

This session will cover:
• What are Export Health Certificates (EHC)?
• Why do I need an and how do I obtain one?
• EHC online service – registration and demonstration of system
• Role of a Certifying Officer
• Where businesses can get support and advice lines available
• An opportunity to ask questions to a panel of experts Note: In this session a live animals or livestock EHC will be used as an example for the online system demonstration
Register here

Export Health Certificate requirements from 1 January 2021 – Fish

Monday 9 November 2020 09:30am – 11:00am

This session will cover:
• What are Export Health Certificates (EHC)?
• Why do I need an EHC and how do I obtain one?
• EHC online service – registration and demonstration of system
• Role of a Certifying Officer
• Where businesses can get support and advice lines available
• An opportunity to ask questions to a panel of experts Note: In this session a fish EHC will be used as an example for the online system demonstration
Register here

Exporting Marketing Standards / Labelling / Health ID Marks from Great Britain to the European Union

Tuesday 3 November 2020 11:30am – 12:30pm

This session will cover:
• Understand marketing standards for your goods
• How you need to label your good to export to the European Union (EU)
• What health ID marks are available and how to use them for good you export to the EU
• Where businesses can get support and advice lines available
• An opportunity to ask questions to a panel of experts 
Register here.

Brexit Information Hub

Guidance on the Marine Scotland website
 
Marine Scotland produced guidance material on international trade in 2019, preparatory to a potential no-deal Brexit – guidance. We would urge you to visit this website in the first instance, and consider downloading the guidance leaflets and following up the links that would be relevant to your business.
 
Preparing for Brexit on Scottish Government website
 
For additional comprehensive guidance from the Scottish Government, please visit this website: preparing for Brexit.
 
Fishing Vessel Registration and Inspection by LA’s – URGENT
 
Marine Scotland believes there is now good industry knowledge about the requirement for all vessels intending to put their catch into an export supply chain to be a registered food business. This requires an inspection, which will be undertaken by Local Authority officials. Food Standards Scotland has been leading this initiative, and details can be found here: guidance.
 
Listed Food Businesses
 
Although this topic will potentially be covered in some of the other guidance referred to in this paper, please also see: guidance.
 
UK Transition website
 
As a general portal to all things related to the end of the transition period, the UK government has launched its Transition website.
 
The Border Operating Model
 
Much of the information you will need to trade with EU Member States, whether as an importer or an exporter, is contained within the recently published Border Operating Model. This is an extensive document, and much of it is not relevant to the seafood sector. Nevertheless, some of the generic guidance to importers and exporters is valuable, and there are specific sections related to seafood sector trade. Webinars are available. Importers should note the UK government’s proposal to phase the requirements for imports over the first six months of 2021. In addition, there is a UK government consultation for 2025.
 
 
How to import and export goods between Great Britain and the EU from 1 January 2021
 
HM Revenue and Customs put this guidance material online on the 13^th of July.
 
Export Health Certificates
 
Seafood sector exporters will be aware of the need for Export Health Certificates after the end of the transition period, and this topic is covered in some of the other guidance referred to in this paper.  There is a lot of useful information contained within the following webpages. In addition you can search for available certificates. SG and FSS are proposing FSS leads on EHC provision at a minimum of two key logistics hubs in Scotland, which will operate a ‘groupage’ system to help food business export effectively and efficiently after the EU-exit transition period. More information will shortly be communicated, and will be available through the Brexit section of the FSS website: https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/about-us/brexit
 
Marine and Fisheries Compliance
 
Effective monitoring and enforcement of marine and fishing laws is vital if we are to protect Scotland’s valuable marine areas and fisheries. It is important that these are protected by detecting breaches of fisheries regulations by monitoring and inspection at sea and in ports, and then reporting as appropriate to the prosecuting authorities, and by providing intelligence on fishing activity in the sea areas around Scotland. Comprehensive guidance on all relevant issues, and particularly Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and Catch Certificates can be found here: guidance.
 
The Northern Ireland Protocol
 
The UK government recently published first a ‘command paper’ on the NI border, then the NI Business Guidance, which is intended to outline some of the requirements for the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The guidance includes a section on moving consignments of fish from GB to NI, and for GB vessels landing fish directly into NI. Other aspects of the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol are still subject to the outcome of negotiations. The working assumption is that Export Health Certificates (EHCs) will be required for trade in products of animal origin between GB and NI. Further guidance will be issued in due course.
 
MMO survey
 
The Marine Management Organisation has just launched a survey with registered users of the Catch Certificate system. MMO is only going to contact its English registered users, but there is an expectation that Scottish registered users should also get involved in the survey – and we would urge you to do so. The link to the survey is here.
 
 
Seafish Guidance
 
Seafish has produced guidance that will help prepare seafood businesses for the end of the transition period. It focusses on the day-to-day scenarios likely to be encountered. This includes food safety, traceability and trade, but does not cover issues arising from the UK’s future relationship with the EU.
 
Seafood Scotland Guidance
 
As Seafood Scotland notes “In light of the imminent departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union, it is essential that actions are taken by the Seafood industry to ensure continued success, deal or no deal”. The website contains helpful information and links.
 

Guidance on the Marine Scotland website
 
Marine Scotland produced guidance material on international trade in 2019, preparatory to a potential no-deal Brexit – guidance. We would urge you to visit this website in the first instance, and consider downloading the guidance leaflets and following up the links that would be relevant to your business.
 
Preparing for Brexit on Scottish Government website
 
For additional comprehensive guidance from the Scottish Government, please visit this website: preparing for Brexit.
 
Fishing Vessel Registration and Inspection by LA’s – URGENT
 
Marine Scotland believes there is now good industry knowledge about the requirement for all vessels intending to put their catch into an export supply chain to be a registered food business. This requires an inspection, which will be undertaken by Local Authority officials. Food Standards Scotland has been leading this initiative, and details can be found here: guidance.
 
Listed Food Businesses
 
Although this topic will potentially be covered in some of the other guidance referred to in this paper, please also see: guidance.
 
UK Transition website
 
As a general portal to all things related to the end of the transition period, the UK government has launched its Transition website.
 
The Border Operating Model
 
Much of the information you will need to trade with EU Member States, whether as an importer or an exporter, is contained within the recently published Border Operating Model. This is an extensive document, and much of it is not relevant to the seafood sector. Nevertheless, some of the generic guidance to importers and exporters is valuable, and there are specific sections related to seafood sector trade. Webinars are available. Importers should note the UK government’s proposal to phase the requirements for imports over the first six months of 2021. In addition, there is a UK government consultation for 2025.
 
 
How to import and export goods between Great Britain and the EU from 1 January 2021
 
HM Revenue and Customs put this guidance material online on the 13^th of July.
 
Export Health Certificates
 
Seafood sector exporters will be aware of the need for Export Health Certificates after the end of the transition period, and this topic is covered in some of the other guidance referred to in this paper.  There is a lot of useful information contained within the following webpages. In addition you can search for available certificates. SG and FSS are proposing FSS leads on EHC provision at a minimum of two key logistics hubs in Scotland, which will operate a ‘groupage’ system to help food business export effectively and efficiently after the EU-exit transition period. More information will shortly be communicated, and will be available through the Brexit section of the FSS website: https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/about-us/brexit
 
Marine and Fisheries Compliance
 
Effective monitoring and enforcement of marine and fishing laws is vital if we are to protect Scotland’s valuable marine areas and fisheries. It is important that these are protected by detecting breaches of fisheries regulations by monitoring and inspection at sea and in ports, and then reporting as appropriate to the prosecuting authorities, and by providing intelligence on fishing activity in the sea areas around Scotland. Comprehensive guidance on all relevant issues, and particularly Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and Catch Certificates can be found here: guidance.
 
The Northern Ireland Protocol
 
The UK government recently published first a ‘command paper’ on the NI border, then the NI Business Guidance, which is intended to outline some of the requirements for the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The guidance includes a section on moving consignments of fish from GB to NI, and for GB vessels landing fish directly into NI. Other aspects of the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol are still subject to the outcome of negotiations. The working assumption is that Export Health Certificates (EHCs) will be required for trade in products of animal origin between GB and NI. Further guidance will be issued in due course.
 
MMO survey
 
The Marine Management Organisation has just launched a survey with registered users of the Catch Certificate system. MMO is only going to contact its English registered users, but there is an expectation that Scottish registered users should also get involved in the survey – and we would urge you to do so. The link to the survey is here.
 
 
Seafish Guidance
 
Seafish has produced guidance that will help prepare seafood businesses for the end of the transition period. It focusses on the day-to-day scenarios likely to be encountered. This includes food safety, traceability and trade, but does not cover issues arising from the UK’s future relationship with the EU.
 
Seafood Scotland Guidance
 
As Seafood Scotland notes “In light of the imminent departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union, it is essential that actions are taken by the Seafood industry to ensure continued success, deal or no deal”. The website contains helpful information and links.