The UK Government’s has released a position paper on the continuity of the availability of goods for the EU and the UK post-Brexit.
The government has set out more proposals that it said would help "give businesses and consumers certainty and confidence" after Brexit materializes.
It has released two position papers - one on goods and the other on confidentiality.
The 'Goods on the Market' paper sets out principles that it wants in place once the UK has left the EU.
The paper states that any goods that were placed on the market prior to Brexit should continue to be sold in the UK and the EU without any extra restrictions.
It also states that where products have already been approved by the EU, it should not be necessary for them to be approved again after Brexit.
The paper says continued oversight of a product placed on the market before Brexit for the lifetime of that product is paramounth - so that the health and safety of patients and consumers remains paramount.
"These papers will help give businesses and consumers certainty and confidence in the UK's status as an economic powerhouse after we have left the EU," Brexit minister David Davis said in a statement.
"They also show that as we enter the third round of negotiations, it is clear that our separation from the EU and future relationship are inextricably linked ... and (we) are ready to begin a formal dialogue on this and other issues."
'Biggest export market'
Dairy UK said they are pleased to see the Government has recognised the importance of agri-foods in the position paper.
Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, said: “We fully support the UK Government’s stated aim of reaching agreement with the EU in order to secure frictionless trade in goods and services. We are also pleased to see the Government has recognised the importance of agri foods in today’s position paper.
“Businesses need certainty around the legalities associated with ensuring they can continue to trade in goods at the point of Brexit. The EU is our biggest export market and recognition of the need for stability is welcome.
“Dairy is a hugely important industry to the UK and while many industries are seeking priority during complex Brexit negotiations we contend that dairy should be recognised as being fundamental to the country’s future interests given the role we play in providing safe and nutritious food to the nation.
“We will offer the Government every possible assistance in securing arrangements that will minimise disruption to consumers and dairy businesses and will help the UK dairy industry take advantage of the opportunities that Brexit may yield.”
'Free and frictionless'
Commenting on post-Brexit trade, National Farmers' Union (NFU) President Meurig Raymond said: “The NFU, along with other farming organisations, has long called for a transitional deal that maintains as free and frictionless trade in agri-food products as possible and it is pleasing to see Government recognise the concerns of the sector.
“In recent discussions with the Chancellor, the NFU reinforced the need for a transitional arrangement post-Brexit that sees the UK and EU continuing to trade within a customs union, and I’m pleased to see the government appear to accept this as the best way forward.
“Such an arrangement would provide farmers and growers with the stability and continuity needed to continue running competitive and profitable farming businesses.
“It is crucial that swift progress is made on the current phase of Brexit negotiations so the crucial issue of the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU, including the precise nature of both the interim and long-term customs agreements, can be discussed as soon as possible.”
