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This report should be read in conjunction with the EU-27 Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) report written by the U.S. Mission to the EU. This report focuses on the import regulations and standards that are not harmonized at the EU-level or where Belgium varies.

Belgium is a Member State of the European Union (EU) and applies the certification requirements described in the European Union Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) Certification Report. Products not yet harmonized are subject to Belgian national rules.

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU), Great Britain (GB) is now outside of the EU single market and customs union, while Northern Ireland (NI) remains within the EU single market and customs union. Currently, rules in GB closely mirror EU law.

In 2023, the cost-of-living crisis will replace COVID as the key challenge to the UK food and drink sector. Prices have increased at the fastest rate in 40 years, as the war in Ukraine, supply chain issues, and increases in energy prices make an impact.