Northwest Horticultural Council
Country Alerts
United Kingdom Exit from European Union – January 1, 2021
January 7, 2021
Current Situation: Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) has announced plans to establish its own maximum residue limit (MRL) regulatory regime following the United Kingdom’s (UK) exit from the European Union (EU) effective January 1, 2021. Until the new MRL regime, including specific MRLs, is established, tree fruit exporters shipping to Great Britain should continue to adhere to European Union (EU) MRLs. (Any changes to EU MRL’s made after January 1, 2021, will not apply to Great Britain). While still a part of the UK, Northern Ireland will continue to follow EU regulations even after Great Britain establishes its own MRL regime. NHC will be updating MRL and country information as specific information becomes available.
Background: The UK’s 11-month transition period from the EU ended on December 31, 2020. Any new decisions taken under the EU regime after January 1, 2021, will not apply in Great Britain. Food exports destined for England, Scotland, or Wales must comply with Great Britain’s pesticide and veterinary drug MRL and contaminant limit regulations. However, Northern Ireland’s status will remain the same. Under the terms of the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement and Northern Ireland Protocol, the EU regulatory regime continues to apply in Northern Ireland.
Contact: If you have any questions, please contact David Epstein, vice president for scientific affairs, Northwest Horticultural Council at 509-453-3193.