As weve reported throughout the last couple of years, the United Kingdoms decision to leave the European unio (EU) as been met with some concern, especially in the food industry. In the last couple of months, fears over whether or not a trade deal would be passed left many processors nervous about impending tariffs. When a COVID-19 virus mutation threatened to hamper imports of goods in late December, it seemed unlikely the EU and the UK would reach its December 31, 2020 deadline. But you know what they say about Christmas miracles...theyre miraculous. 

Four and half years after 52% of Britons voted to take their leave of the EU, the British Exit (dubbed Brexit) is about to become a reality thanks to a free trade agreement signed on December 24. According to the Associated Press, firms are "scrambling" to fully understand the details and implications of the 1,240-page deal sealed by the EU and the U.K. on Christmas Eve. 

What does this mean for businesses who operate in the UK? According to numerous reports, business have been urged to make sure they understand the new rules coming down the pipeline regarding importing and exporting goods.

“I’m sure there will be bumpy moments but we are there in order to try to do everything we can to smooth the path,” Michael Gove, the British Cabinet minister in charge of Brexit preparations, told the BBC.