Brigitte Misonne, Deputy Head of the European Commission’s animal unit within DG AGRI, warned Co-operative leaders to prepare for customs procedures on trade with the UK following Brexit, in her address at the 41st ICOS National Conference in UCC on January 9.

As the UK has repeatedly stated its intention to leave both the single market and the customs union, Misonne stated that “customs checks are inevitable” on all EU-UK trade.

From a dairy perspective, customs procedures include not only administrative procedures, but also veterinary checks, with significantly implications for supply lines and just-in-time logistics.

By Alison Graham                                                                                                                                                      

European Affairs Executive