Post-Brexit checks on fruit and vegetables from the EU to Britain face a third delay, extending to July next year.
- These import inspections aim to categorise goods by risk and were due this January, with celery and tomatoes marked for initial implementation.
- Medium-risk produce will enjoy an easement period until July, free from checks and fees in the meantime.
- Apples and pears are now classified as low risk, requiring no checks from the previous medium-risk status.
- The delays raise concerns of increased consumer costs, as import expenses may surge by £200m.
In an ongoing development, the UK government has postponed post-Brexit inspections of fruits and vegetables imported from the European Union for the third time. These inspections, intended to start in January, will now be delayed until July, illustrating a continued adjustment period.
The delayed checks form part of the government’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), which aims to classify food products based on a low, medium, or high-risk assessment to control disease importation. This decision allows an adjustment period for medium-risk imports, sparing them immediate inspection or related costs until July.
Notably, produce items such as apples and pears have been reclassified from medium to low-risk categories, eliminating the need for import checks and related charges on these items.
Suppliers voice concern regarding potential price hikes stemming from increased import costs, possibly amounting to £200m, as forecasted by the Fresh Produce Consortium. This financial burden reflects the broader impact of these regulatory adjustments on trade and consumer pricing.
This delay represents an ongoing pattern, being the third such postponement in a year. Originally, these checks were slated for introduction by July 2021, with the latest adjustments seen as providing ministers the opportunity to review and receive industry feedback. According to a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson, it represents a temporary measure ensuring comprehensive ministerial evaluation.
The persistent delays in implementing post-Brexit import checks demonstrate the complexities of balancing regulatory controls and economic impacts.
