SL(6)439 – The Meat Preparations (Amendment and Transitory Modification) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2024

Background and Purpose

These Regulations extend the temporary suspension of the requirement for meat preparations to be deep frozen (to a temperature of -18° C) where they are imported into Wales from EEA member States, the Faroe Islands, Greenland or Switzerland, until the end of 29 April 2024.

“Meat preparations” are foods made from fresh meat without changing the structure of the muscle fibre that characterises fresh meat. Other foods, seasonings and additives may have been added to them.

The temporary suspension has already been extended several times, and now it is being extended again as part of an evolving GB-wide approach to border controls. Without this further extension, it would be illegal to import chilled meat preparations after 31 January 2024.

The Explanatory Memorandum to these Regulations states that:

The temporary suspension of the prohibition is a proportionate measure, as these goods from those countries present a low biosecurity risk, whilst the long-term policy continues to be developed. These goods are currently imported and there are no immediate public health concerns over these products, as the UK and the EU traded these freely within the EU Single Market.

Procedure

Negative

The Regulations were made by the Welsh Ministers before they were laid before the Senedd.  The Senedd can annul the Regulations within 40 days (excluding any days when the Senedd is: (i) dissolved, or (ii) in recess for more than four days) of the date they were laid before the Senedd.

Technical Scrutiny

No points are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.2 in respect of this instrument.

Merits Scrutiny  

One point is identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.3 in respect of this instrument.

1. Standing Order 21.3(ii) – that it is of political or legal importance or gives rise to issues of public policy likely to be of interest to the Senedd

We note the following context to these Regulations, as set out in the Explanatory Memorandum:

Since the end of the implementation period following the UK’s departure from the EU, businesses and competent authorities have had to meet extensive new EU and UK requirements when moving goods under the new trading relationship with the EU. Many such businesses and competent authorities face challenges and shortage of resources in preparing for such changes in a short period of time, whilst dealing with the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Without this instrument, attempting to comply with the requirement for deep freezing otherwise scheduled for 31 January 2024 would create a significant risk of sector confusion and disruption to the food supply chain into Great Britain.

Welsh Government response

A Welsh Government response is not required.

Legal Advisers

Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee

9 January 2024