Policy & Compliance
couple of suggestions are below: 1 For SPS goods, some closer co-operation on veterinary checks and simplifying documents may be possible. Also, consideration should be given to the practicality of linking TRACES and IPAFFS to share data and simplify the declaration process. 2 Mutual recognition of safety and security processes to create a common security area has been suggested and reducing the datasets for such declarations, possibly sharing via a centralised data system, are seen as steps to improve flows. Both ideas have their merits, but also have their detractors and recent history, such as the foot-and- mouth outbreaks in Germany and Hungary coupled with the ever-present problem of clandestine trafficking, may count against progress at present. What is important is that EU traders are beginning to experience the same problems as GB traders have for some time. This will lead to pressure on the EU Commission, opening the way for improved co- operation. In the non-trade areas, it is to be hoped that there may be some progress in the following: • Permitting travel for younger people (under 30),
• Relaxation in the 90/180 rule for certain roles such as HGV drivers, • Relaxing cabotage rules to allow GB truckers to operate more freely in the EU. BIFA would like to hear from Members with any realistic aspirations that they have regarding improving trade flows between the EU and GB. It must be remembered that what we regard as operationally desirable has to be politically achievable. The following comment from Nick Thomas- Symonds, Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations), made on 4 February 2025, referring to the ‘reset’, provides a clear indication of government thinking. “What does this mean? For this government, our reset with the European Union does not mean hitting rewind. We are not undoing Brexit.”
“ BIFA would like to hear from Members with any realistic aspirations that they have regarding improving trade flows between the EU and GB
Members wishing to submit their realistic aspirations regarding improvements in the flow of trade should email Robert Windsor (r.windsor@bifa.org).
April 2025 | 13
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