Government Update on Contingency Planning
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has today issued further advice on contingency plans in the event of a no-deal Brexit. We are pleased to see a degree of additional clarity and are grateful for the hard work of officials in the Department who have enabled this. More detail can be read here.
Reiterating that no-deal remains the "worst-case" scenario, Government has advised that whilst border disruptions would possibly be felt in the short-term, pragmatic arrangements are being sought to mitigate this. Should alternative border routes be required, medical devices will be "prioritised, to ensure the flow of all products will continue unimpeded after March 2019."
The letter indicates that officials will be following up with you shortly. At this time we are advised that this is likely to involve further questions on both import and export activity. For example, from where in the EU are finished goods imported, in what quantity, via which routes and using what freight forwarder? Similarly, the Department is keen to understand the nature and quantity of component parts and raw materials imported by companies manufacturing in the UK, and the routes by which finished goods are exported. We are working with officials to minimise the number of requests you are receiving.
It is advised that if you have not done so already, to meet with the DHSC to discuss your individual concerns and issues, as detailed in my update on 22 November.
As my recent updates have all called for, please do continue to share your experiences with us. Your feedback is invaluable in our engagements with DHSC, where we continue to advocate on your behalf at what is a critical time for our sector.