Posted on: 4th Sep 2018
What are the consequences of a no-deal Brexit on the waste industry?
This month, Andusia’s Managing Director, Steve Burton attended DEFRA’s seminar discussing the latest and potential regulations for what could occur in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The objective of the seminar was to outline the purpose of the Withdrawal Act and the implications that a no-deal Brexit may have on the export of waste and RDF.
A quote from DEFRA during the seminar “Our aim is to maintain the status quo as far as is reasonably possible and provide certainty and continuity for the regulations of international waste shipments.”
DEFRA confirmed that due to the fact that the export of RDF and SRF across Europe is a service and not a commodity, there would be no tariffs applied. The basis of trade under a no-deal Brexit would be under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and the UK would be able to trade with the EU as part of these terms. This view is supported by both UK Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the WTO.
DEFRA says there will be “no practical changes” for the export of waste post Brexit. However, DEFRA did mention the EU might introduce customs checks (Dutch authorities are preparing to inspect possibly up to 5% of shipments) which might cause some disruption – further guidance on this is being prepared.
The UK is also in the process of adopting the majority of the International Waste Shipment Legislation which regulates cross-border waste movements currently covered by the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations and EC WSR Reg. 1013/2006.
This is welcome news to Andusia who is fully geared up to manage the transition of Brexit and is pleased that a no-deal Brexit will not affect the export of RDF for our customers.
