The UK government’s decision to suspend the introduction of "Not for EU" food labels has sparked both relief and debate within the business community.
Originally set to take effect in October, the labels aimed to mark products not intended for the EU market, a move seen by many as another complication for businesses still navigating post-Brexit changes. A government spokesperson explained that the delay was "to ensure a smooth transition for businesses," though they did not rule out reintroducing the policy later.
Businesses have expressed relief, with industry groups warning that the new labelling requirement would have added to the complexity of UK-EU trade. "This policy would have been disastrous for exporters, many of whom are already struggling to meet the new regulatory requirements post-Brexit," said the British Retail Consortium in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drink Federation also welcomed the pause, noting that it would give businesses more time to adjust.
However, the policy remains in place in Northern Ireland, where the Windsor Framework maintains some alignment with EU rules to prevent a hard border. The Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association stated, "While this ensures no hard border, the dual labelling requirements create additional pressure for our members."
As the government reviews the situation, businesses are calling for clear, long-term guidance.
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