Brexit
July 2020
With six months left until the end of the transition period, it is important that UK and EU negotiators intensify discussions to deliver a trade deal which allows for zero tariffs on all goods, protects UK and EU geographical indications, and puts in place governance structures to limit any new barriers to trade from forming.
The customs and excise procedures to follow for UK/EU trade need to be urgently clarified now to enable businesses to prepare for the changes that will take effect at the border from January 1st 2021. The UK Government is planning to put in place new IT systems to manage data flows and declarations, but traders will need details about how these will work to ensure imports and exports flow.
Industry concerns about adjusting to a new trading relationship with the EU at the end of the transition period have been compounded first by the ongoing impact of Covid-19 in the UK and our global markets, and second by the 25% tariff on Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Scotch Whisky liqueurs to the US applied since October last year, which has led to a sustained decline in exports to our most valuable market.
The UK Government must redouble its efforts to remove these damaging tariffs as soon as possible. Doing so will alleviate significant pressure on the Scotch Whisky industry, and allow us to focus on making the most of the UK’s new independent trade policy and playing our part in the post-Covid economic recovery.
news & commentary
SWA statement on Withdrawal Agreement
Our industry has consistently called for clarity over what that UK's new relationship with the EU will look like in practice, particularly on the continued protection of geographical indications, customs procedures and future trade policy.
Karen Betts Speech to Scotsman Food & Drink Conference
The water of life: how Scotland's national drink is confronting new challenges to thrive beyond Brexit
Scotch Whisky looks for continued growth through Brexit
The Scotch Whisky industry's recent growth must be maintained beyond Brexit, delegates at the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) conference heard today.
Scotch Whisky Association welcomes Brexit transition agreement
The Scotch Whisky Association has set out the priorities for the Scotch Whisky industry as the Brexit transition agreement is set to be approved by EU leaders.
Comment on PM Brexit speech
"The Prime Minister's speech has taken us closer to the clarity which key industries like Scotch Whisky require if we are to mitigate the risks and harness the opportunities of Brexit.
SWA comment on Brexit transition
SWA welcomes the clear progress made in the first phase of the Brexit negotiations
publications
Scotch Whisky Brexit Brief
On balance, the draft Withdrawal Agreement and accompanying Political Declaration on the Future UK-EU Relationship stand up well against the Scotch Whisky industry's Brexit priorities.