OPINION: Britons in Spain might want to get used to life with out Cheddar

As Brits throughout Europe alter to a brand new, post-Brexit actuality, the results of leaving the EU are progressively revealing themselves to the British public.

So far, most points haven’t affected Brits residing in Spain instantly. Whether it’s cries of betrayal from the fishing trade, or companies involved re the paperwork – and price – of exporting to Europe, the primary affect has been felt by Brits in Britain, not these in Europe.   

However, we have now skilled some teething issues of our personal – particularly associated to journey and ordering items from the UK.

This week, Dutch border guards had a joke on the expense of Brexit, confiscating sandwiches from British travellers. While many extremists jumped to the simple and false conclusion that EU nations are punishing Brits for Brexit, the reply was far easier: they had been making use of EU regulation and border management. Taking again management of their borders, if you want.

You won’t care a fig for put up Brexit fishing coverage, or EU corporations being compelled to gather VAT for the British authorities, however one factor the Brits do care about is sweet outdated British meals!

The Dutch border incident highlighted the problems that British travellers will face ought to they try to import foodstuffs to any EU nation. That consists of bringing our favorite meals again from the UK.

So, what, precisely can we deliver again with us? Banned foods include all ‘products of animal origin’ – generally known as ‘POAO’ – greens, and most fruits. That means no meat or diary, or any merchandise “made with high levels of unprocessed dairy ingredients”. 

Sadly, this consists of truffles and my very own private ardour – cheese. Baby milk and toddler meals are exempt, as are speciality meals required for medicinal functions. I’m unsure Spanish border employees would settle for that mature Cheddar is required for my bodily or psychological well being!

The fruit exemptions embody bananas (appropriately flexible, in fact!), dates, pineapples and coconuts. Fish could be imported so long as it weighs lower than 20 kilos. The new guidelines apply when travelling from the UK to the EU, not the reverse.

Regardless of how lengthy we’ve lived in Spain, many people go to the UK with an inventory of things to ship house. These won’t be accessible in Spain or are dearer when sourced regionally.

Loving additional robust Cheddar doesn’t imply that I dislike Spanish cheese. On the opposite, my style for cheese is kind of various. When I discussed this subject on a social media put up, I used to be inundated with suggestions for robust, high quality Cheddar accessible at a number of Spanish grocery store chains. Some I’ve tried, and others I’ll hunt down. However, availability of our favorite meals from the UK is simply a part of the issue.

UK exporters wishing to promote to the European market are dealing with vital further prices and paperwork. Many are rethinking their technique and analysing whether or not it’s viable to provide European markets post-Brexit. Some corporations have already determined that the advantages don’t outweigh the prices.

Companies that determine to proceed buying and selling with Spain are unlikely to soak up all further prices. This means the prices are prone to be handed on to the patron. If extra companies select to halt exportation, then our favorite British foodstuffs could also be even tougher to supply.

I’ve misplaced depend of the what number of instances my hand-luggage has been searched at Stansted airport earlier than I board my return flight to Spain. The cause? Blocks of cheese! It at all times causes concern on the X-ray monitor, even when (as instructed), I’ve eliminated it from my case and put it on full show. Apparently, a big block of additional mature resembles the looks of Semtex. Never as soon as, have I ever skilled any bother bringing it into Spain. Now, I received’t be capable of.

Whether your specific style is for Bovril, cheese, corned beef, correct bangers or a Marks and Spencer sarnie, these days are over.

While I remorse this case, I can stay with shopping for my favorite British meals right here at a premium, or savouring them after I go to England. I may be hooked on my Pilgrim’s Choice Vintage or Davidstow Cornish Cheddar, however I’d swap them in a second for my freedom of motion. I may be a cheese addict, however I’m not fully bonkers!

By Sue Wilson – Chair of Bremain in Spain

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