The UK government is carefully considering the feedback regarding the potential delay of import checks on fresh food from the EU, as suggested by a recent report.
The Financial Times has reported that ministers are hesitant to implement border controls due to concerns over increased bureaucracy and its potential impact on inflation.
In line with the Brexit arrangements, import checks are necessary for goods entering the UK from the EU. However, while goods from the UK face EU checks, the UK has continuously postponed implementing controls on EU food and plant imports.
In June, the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) warned that introducing import border checks from the EU would exacerbate food inflation in the UK. In response, FPC members voiced their objections to the draft strategy proposed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which included charges for imported goods from continental Europe.
The current concerns surrounding inflation have informed the government’s approach. A government spokesperson stated, “The government remains committed to creating the best border system. The Border Target Operating Model, which introduces an innovative and progressive approach to importing, is key to achieving this goal.”
The spokesperson further added, “We are carefully considering the valuable feedback received from various businesses and industry stakeholders, and will soon publish the Border Target Operating Model.”
The government aims to reduce business costs by approximately £520m ($658.5m) annually with the proposed model, as it would simplify and reduce the volume of required import paperwork.
The implementation of import rules has faced multiple delays, with previous justifications including the Covid-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.
While the FPC expressed concerns about the impact of these controls on inflation, other food producers argue that the absence of checks provides an advantage to their competitors in continental Europe, who already face checks on all fresh food exports to the EU.
Government insiders revealed that further details regarding the food import rules would be published soon, although the actual implementation would be postponed.
“The need to address inflation is the driving force behind this delay. There will be additional costs at the border,” stated sources quoted by the FT.
In April, the government announced the requirement for health certifications on certain animal products, plants, and food and feed goods from Europe by 31 October. Additional measures, including physical checks and safety declarations, were scheduled to be introduced in stages through 2024.
However, The Guardian expects the October checks to be postponed until the end of January.
