The UK government has postponed post-Brexit checks on EU-imported fruit and vegetables for a third time.
- Initially set for 1 January, the checks will now commence on 1 July, extending the preparatory period for businesses.
- This decision is part of the Border Target Operating Model assessing import risks and enforcing checks accordingly.
- Concerns have been raised about potential cost increases, with estimates suggesting an additional £200m in import expenses.
- The delay provides the government additional time to consult with business stakeholders and refine implementation strategies.
The UK government has announced a further six-month delay to the introduction of post-Brexit checks on fruit and vegetable imports from the European Union. Originally scheduled to commence on 1 January, these checks are now postponed to 1 July, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of their impact on businesses. This represents the third delay in implementing these measures within the past year.
The planned checks form a critical component of the government’s Border Target Operating Model. This model categorises products based on their risk levels—ranging from low to high—to prevent the introduction of plant diseases into the UK. The decision to delay reflects the government’s intention to ensure readiness and minimal disruption to import activities by granting an easement period for medium-risk products until the new start date.
Fruit products, such as apples and pears, have been reclassified from medium risk to low risk, meaning they can now be imported without the need for checks or associated fees. This adjustment is expected to ease the import process for these items and offers some relief to importers navigating the complexities of post-Brexit trade regulations.
The repeated postponements have raised concerns among suppliers about the financial burden of these measures. According to the Fresh Produce Consortium, implementing these checks could result in an additional £200 million in import costs. Suppliers fear this may lead to higher consumer prices, impacting the competitiveness of imported produce.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) spokespeople have described the postponement as a temporary measure to afford new ministers time to review the implications of further border controls and to engage with business stakeholders. This engagement aims to capture broader industry perspectives to enhance the efficacy of future border control implementations.
The ongoing delays in post-Brexit checks highlight challenges in balancing regulatory requirements with business operational realities.
