Following the UK-EU Summit on 19 May, the UK Government announced a new strategic partnership with the European Union, including a commitment to future engagement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) matters. While this cooperation is expected to support longer-term simplification of trade processes, the UK Government has confirmed that, in the meantime, the next phase of the ‘Not for EU’ labelling requirement under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS) will proceed as scheduled on 1 July 2025.
What Is Changing?
From 1 July 2025, the following product categories will require individual ‘Not for EU’ labels when moved from Great Britain to Northern Ireland under NIRMS (i.e. via the ‘green lane’):
- Composite products that are not shelf-stable or require SPS controls (e.g. chilled pizza)
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Fish and fishery products
- Other specified products as outlined in UK Government guidance
This marks the third and final phase of the UK-wide rollout:
- Phase 1 (October 2023): Meat and some dairy products
- Phase 2 (October 2024): All dairy products, extended across Great Britain
- Phase 3 (July 2025): Composite products, fruit, vegetables, and fish – across the UK
DEFRA has confirmed that these labelling requirements apply only to goods moving under NIRMS. Products not entering Northern Ireland via this scheme are not subject to the same obligations.
Implications for Irish Industry
While the labelling rules apply to GB-to-NI movements, they may have indirect implications for Irish producers, exporters, and retailers, particularly those:
- Supplying GB-based distributors or retailers who re-export to Northern Ireland
- Operating cross-border logistics or retail operations
- Providing labelling, packaging, or compliance services
Irish businesses are advised to:
- Engage with GB partners to understand their labelling and compliance plans
- Review supply chain routes that may involve Northern Ireland
- Monitor developments on potential GB-wide labelling legislation
Relevant Links
For further information, stakeholders are encouraged to consult the following UK Government resources:
- Labelling requirements for certain products under NIRMS
Available at: www.gov.uk/guidance/labelling-requirements-for-certain-products-moving-from-great-britain-to-retail-premises-in-northern-ireland-under-the-retail-movement-scheme - Commodity codes for products exempt from individual labelling in Phase 3
Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/commodity-codes-for-the-northern-ireland-retail-movement-scheme-nirms
We will continue to engage with relevant authorities and provide updates as further information becomes available. In the meantime, stakeholders are encouraged to prepare for the 1 July 2025 changes and consult the above guidance for clarification.