The Cold Chain Federation (CCF) is issuing a warning that a significant number of food businesses are unaware of the changes to EU-UK exporting legislation. Consequently, UK food retailers, hospitality businesses, and consumers should brace themselves for substantial disruption during the Christmas trading window.
A recent survey conducted by the CCF has revealed an alarming lack of preparedness among food production businesses in Europe that supply to the UK. Astonishingly, 39% of the surveyed businesses were completely unaware of the newly announced rules and timeframes set by the UK Government.
One notable post-Brexit change dictates that export health certificates, signed by a qualified certifying officer, will be mandatory for every consignment of ‘medium risk’ meat, dairy, and fish products exported from the EU to the UK starting from 31st October 2023.
Alarmingly, when questioned, 41% of respondents admitted to not having any plans in place to ensure compliance with this critical requirement.
The CCF emphasizes the urgent need for an industry-wide communication campaign. Shane Brennan, the chief executive of the CCF, highlights the concerning fact that well over a third of these food producing businesses supplying to the UK are oblivious to these impending significant changes. The UK Government’s communication efforts with these businesses have been insufficient, and it is the food retailers, hospitality businesses, and consumers in the UK who will bear the brunt of the disruption, delays, and losses.
In response to the survey findings, the CCF has penned a letter to ministers, requesting that the implementation of export health certificates be postponed from 31st October to 31st January 2024. This additional time must be utilized by the government to execute a comprehensive and adequately funded communications campaign, commencing immediately, to raise awareness among EU businesses in time for full implementation next year.
Moreover, by January 31st, the UK should have a fully staffed border inspection team that will enforce the new rules, while also providing support and guidance for these EU importers. Considering the considerable stress, cost inflation, and other pressures in the food supply chain this year, this slight adjustment in the implementation plans could make a substantial difference.
According to the survey, 78% of EU-based food producing businesses anticipate increased costs for their UK customers as a result of the new rules.
Shane Brennan explains that meeting the new export health certificate requirements will elevate costs for EU food producers supplying the UK, particularly for those scrambling to comply at the last minute. Ultimately, these costs will be passed on to UK retailers, leading to higher prices for British consumers and further fueling food inflation.
When questioned about their intentions concerning the sale of their products to UK customers after 31st October 2023, only 60% of respondents expressed their plan to continue serving the same customers at the same frequency. Another 10% plan to reduce the frequency and scope of UK-based customers they serve, 7% intend to stop altogether, and 22% are unsure of their plans at this stage.
