From roaming charges to sperm donations – how a no-deal Brexit will affect UK
The government has so far published 77 technical notices giving guidance on the impact of a no-deal exit from the European Union. The key points from the papers announced so far are:
l The removal of an EU ban on credit and debit card surcharges is “likely” to increase the cost of shopping.
l UK citizens living in Europe face the possibility of losing access to their pension income and other financial services.
l Consumers would face another potential cost increase when online shopping, with parcels arriving in the UK no longer liable for Low Value Consignment Relief (LVCR) on VAT.
l Businesses exporting to Europe may have to “renegotiate commercial terms” to reflect customs and other tariff changes. l The firms may also need to pay out for new software or hire “a customs broker, freight forwarder or logistics provider” to help them deal with new requirements.
l Companies exporting across the Irish border should “consider whether you will need advice from the Irish Government about preparations you need to make”.
l NHS patients may face delays accessing innovative treatments.
l Cigarette packet health warnings would change as the current images used are copyrighted to the EU.
l Organic food producers face a “cliff edge” of exporting to the EU only if certified by a body approved by the European Commission, with certification taking up to nine months after Brexit. l Free mobile phone data roaming in the EU “could no longer be guaranteed” - although Vodafone, Three, EE and O2, which cover more than 85 per cent of mobile subscribers, have said they have no current plans to change their approach and bring in new charges.
l UK firms working on the EU’S €10 billion (£9bn) Galileo satellite navigation system could be cut out of existing contracts as well as barred from seeking new ones.
l Holders of legal firearms face additional bureaucracy if they want to take them to EU countries, because the European Firearms Pass would no longer be available to UK citizens.
l People trying to conceive a child could be hit by delays to foreign sperm donations as Danish semen made up almost half of all non-british male reproductive material imported to the UK in 2017.
l British drivers might need International Driving Permits (IDP) if the EU does not agree to recognise UK licences.
l Producers of dozens of British traditional foods, from Cornish clotted cream to Welsh lamb, may have to apply for new protected status from the EU.
l Pet owners may face months of preparation before a trip to Europe as without agreement and the UK becomes an “unlisted” country and a health certificate would be needed to prove pets are effectively vaccinated for rabies.
l Passengers could face flight disruption as airlines will have to obtain individual permissions to operate between the UK and the EU.