HOLD-UPS caused by No-Deal Brexit red tape could send Scottish fishermen “to the wall”, one industry boss has warned.
Speaking during an evidence session of Holyrood’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation national co-ordinator Alistair Sinclair pointed out the dangers of excessive export certification on the Scottish sector.
In the event of No Deal, exports will need five separate certificates before they are able to leave the country, according to Scottish Seafood Association chief executive Jimmy Buchan, with Sinclair saying those in the live market would need further certification to transport their catches.
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Sinclair also said the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) “don’t know” what will happen with exports post-Brexit.
He also claimed the further paperwork is unlikely to be delivered on time due to a lack of resources.
He said: “As we’re aware, in respect to the live product, where time is crucial of course, we’re going to need catch, health, customs, invoices, tariff invoices, all dealing with the individual load from each boat. We’re talking about five documents. Dealing in the live market, there are many people who will go to the wall.”
Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said: “We do, of course, fully recognise the challenges that a No-Deal exit would represent for the processing sector and we are working hard with them to address these.”
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