Government ditches ‘not for EU’ labelling

Responses from retailers are divided and BMPC are frustrated at the late notice, as BRC calls for a joined-up and pragmatic approach to the Windsor Framework

The government has confirmed it will not proceed with the introduction of ‘not for EU’ labelling on a mandatory basis across the whole country. The change had been due to be implemented from 1st October 2024.

The labels are only required in Northern Ireland (NI) currently as part of the UK's deal with the EU to reduce checks on British products entering NI.

The previous government had proposed making the labels compulsory in the rest of the UK as a way to ensure suppliers did not remove their products from the NI market rather than implement the labels.

A spokesperson for the Labour government said the decision followed a review of evidence from a consultation and hinged on the “ongoing commitment of businesses to continue to serve their customers in NI”.

The spokesperson said: "We will work intensively with industry to monitor those supplies and to be assured that they will be maintained as the implementation of the Windsor Framework continues."

Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Food and Drink Federation said she was “very pleased” the government had listened to industry concerns. She called the approach “flexible and proportionate”.

Betts said: “Our members are committed to supplying all our products everywhere across the UK, including NI. This approach will help keep prices down for consumers and help companies manage stock and supplies, as well as removing a barrier to investment in UK manufacturing.”

Tom Bradshaw, NFU President agreed it was “good news”. He said: “As we outlined in our consultation response, the government must avoid any approach, both now and in the future, that leads to confusion and misconceptions about the high-quality products UK farmers are proud to produce.”

There was some disquiet, however. Nan Jones, Trade Policy Manager at the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) said: “While it’s welcome news, we have not been given any steer as to what the current government is thinking. Depending on its review, labelling could end up back on the table.”

Jones was also frustrated at receiving the official guidance one day before it was meant to be implemented.

She said: “Many companies have incurred unnecessary costs preparing for this only to find out that it’s been put on hold. This is also why alignment with the EU would be so beneficial as it would remove the issues we currently have with movements to and from NI.”

“…while many have welcomed the news, those who rely heavily on the green lane to move goods to Northern Ireland may face greater challenges in moving certain goods.”

Andrea Martinez-Inchausti, Assistant Director of Food at the British Retail Consortium (BRC) confirmed the announcement had prompted varied responses from retailers, given their different trading and operating models.

She said: “This is a complex issue – while many have welcomed the news, those who rely heavily on the green lane to move goods to Northern Ireland may face greater challenges in moving certain goods.

“We need a pragmatic approach, agreed between the government and the EU, to the Windsor Framework that doesn’t require separate labelling.”