Aviation

British and European Union airlines will automatically lose the right to fly to each other’s territories if Britain leaves the bloc. The government says there could be disruption but it intends to give permission to EU flights to continue landing at British airports and expects the EU to reciprocate to protect against business and travel chaos. If there is no agreement, flights to the EU from Britain could be grounded.

Pet travel

Owners of cats, dogs, or ferrets who want to take holidays in the EU would have to prepare for travel “at least four months ahead in advance of the date they wish to travel”. The UK is hoping to become a “listed third country”, where controls are limited, but there is no guarantee this deal will be completed before Britain exits the EU. The government has warned that “pet owners intending to travel to the EU on 30 March 2019 would need to discuss requirements with their vet before the end of November 2018”.

Bus and coach services

Some UK bus and coach services to the EU may be unable to access the EU in the event of no deal. Holiday and tourist services are unlikely to be impacted but regular services may not be covered by current negotiations for a deal to mitigate disruption.

Motor insurance while in the EU

In the event of no deal, UK motorists would need to carry an international certificate of insurance issued by insurance providers, known as a green card, as proof of third-party motor insurance cover when driving in the EU.

Labelling of food including British mineral water

Mineral water is one of the most regulated consumer products and British mineral waters would not be automatically be accepted in the EU, spelling trouble for British water exporters. Honey, jam, chocolate products, sugars, instant coffee, bottled waters and fruit juices are also regulated. Use of the term ‘EU’ in origin labelling would no longer be correct for food or ingredients from the UK. Some products will require further changes. For example, labels of honey blends from more than one country referring to the EU would need to be replaced with more appropriate terminology. Food exporters, currently required to use EU health and safety labels, will need to re-package their products with a UK and EU address if they want to be sold in the bloc.

Plant exporters

Plants will be subjected to health checks at the EU border. Some will require laboratory testing of samples to ensure they are free from pests and diseases while others will need inspection during the growing season.

Livestock exports

Animals being exported will be subjected to sanitary checks at border inspection posts once they enter EU territory. The UK would need to be approved by the EU as an exporter – a process which could take a minimum of six months. Livestock hauliers will need various certificates for transport authorisation, adding new levels of red tape to farmers.

Timber exporters

UK-based exporters would face more bureaucracy and need to provide relevant documentation about the source and legality of their timber exports to the EU.

Protection of ‘geographic indication’ food exports

The UK is expected to bring out a UK version for protected foods, made in specific locations in Britain, such as Cornish clotted cream. But producers have been warned they should also consider protecting their products by applying for trademarks.