Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what parts of the Government’s plan for trading in drug precursors in the event of a no deal Brexit have been implemented.

The UK Government remains focussed on ensuring a smooth and orderly withdrawal from the EU with a deal as soon as possible. However, as a responsible government, we continue to prepare for all scenarios.

The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 were made in April 2019 and make the necessary legislative changes to prevent the diversion of drugs precursor chemicals to the illicit market and to allow for the legitimate trade in these substances to continue in the event of a no deal.

A Technical Notice was published on GOV.UK in September 2018 advising companies of the change in requirements in the event of a no deal and we have contacted the relevant trade bodies to disseminate the message to their members.
The Government continue to engage with industry trading in these substances to ensure they are aware of the new rules and processes that would apply if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.