As Brits throughout Europe alter to a brand new, post-Brexit actuality, the implications of leaving the EU are regularly revealing themselves to the British public.
To date, most points haven’t affected Brits residing in Spain immediately. Whether or not it’s cries of betrayal from the fishing trade, or companies involved re the forms – and value – of exporting to Europe, the primary influence has been felt by Brits in Britain, not these in Europe.
Nevertheless, we have now skilled some teething issues of our personal – particularly associated to journey and ordering items from the UK.
This week, Dutch border guards had a joke on the expense of Brexit, confiscating sandwiches from British travellers. Whereas many extremists jumped to the simple and false conclusion that EU international locations are punishing Brits for Brexit, the reply was far less complicated: they have been making use of EU regulation and border management. Taking again management of their borders, if you want.
Subsequent time folks let you know there is no new friction on the borders due to Brexit, you may present them this Dutch TV clip of drivers being stopped and having their lunches confiscated. pic.twitter.com/B9eZfDWKFB
— OwenAdamsYT (@OwenAdamsYT1) January 10, 2021
You may not care a fig for put up Brexit fishing coverage, or EU corporations being pressured to gather VAT for the British authorities, however one factor the Brits do care about is sweet outdated British meals!
The Dutch border incident highlighted the problems that British travellers will face ought to they try to import foodstuffs to any EU nation. That features bringing our favorite meals again from the UK.
So, what, precisely can we carry again with us? Banned meals embody all ‘merchandise of animal origin’ – generally known as ‘POAO’ – greens, and most fruits. Meaning no meat or diary, or any merchandise “made with excessive ranges of unprocessed dairy components”.
Sadly, this contains desserts and my very own private ardour – cheese. Child milk and toddler meals are exempt, as are speciality meals required for medicinal functions. I’m undecided Spanish border workers would settle for that mature Cheddar is required for my bodily or psychological well being!
The fruit exemptions embody bananas (appropriately flexible, in fact!), dates, pineapples and coconuts. Fish could be imported so long as it weighs lower than 20 kilos. The brand new guidelines apply when travelling from the UK to the EU, not the reverse.
No matter how lengthy we’ve lived in Spain, many people go to the UK with a listing of things to ship residence. These may not be accessible in Spain or are dearer when sourced domestically.
Loving additional robust Cheddar doesn’t imply that I dislike Spanish cheese. Quite the opposite, my style for cheese is kind of various. After I talked about this subject on a social media put up, I used to be inundated with suggestions for robust, high quality Cheddar accessible at a number of Spanish grocery store chains. Some I’ve tried, and others I’ll search out. Nevertheless, availability of our favorite meals from the UK is just a part of the issue.
UK exporters wishing to promote to the European market are dealing with important extra prices and paperwork. Many are rethinking their technique and analysing whether or not it’s viable to provide European markets post-Brexit. Some corporations have already determined that the advantages don’t outweigh the prices.
Firms that determine to proceed buying and selling with Spain are unlikely to soak up all extra prices. This implies the prices are prone to be handed on to the buyer. If extra companies select to halt exportation, then our favorite British foodstuffs could also be even tougher to supply.
I’ve misplaced rely of the what number of instances my hand-luggage has been searched at Stansted airport earlier than I board my return flight to Spain. The explanation? Blocks of cheese! It at all times causes concern on the X-ray monitor, even when (as instructed), I’ve eliminated it from my case and put it on full show. Apparently, a big block of additional mature resembles the looks of Semtex. By no means as soon as, have I ever skilled any bother bringing it into Spain. Now, I gained’t be capable to.
Whether or not your specific style is for Bovril, cheese, corned beef, correct bangers or a Marks and Spencer sarnie, these days are over.
Whereas I remorse this example, I can dwell with shopping for my favorite British meals right here at a premium, or savouring them once I go to England. I may be hooked on my Pilgrim’s Selection Classic or Davidstow Cornish Cheddar, however I’d swap them in a second for my freedom of motion. I may be a cheese addict, however I’m not fully bonkers!
By Sue Wilson – Chair of Bremain in Spain
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