Trade formation warn that the UK government ’s lack of clarity and transparency in implementing new phytosanitary rule is putting pressure on businesses already unfold thin . Nigel Jenney , Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium ( FPC ) , has describe the current border regimen as " disorderly and incoherent , " mull over far-flung frustration across the horticultural sector . Many fear that without pressing improvements , both British consumers and growers will suffer through higher prices , reduced choices , and jeopardy to domestic production .
A turbulent transition to Modern border controlsUnder new signification ruler introduced in point after Brexit , shipment of plants and cut flower from the EU now face physical inspections at Border Control Posts . Since April 2024 , family like plants for planting and some shortened flowers have been dependent to biosecurity checks upon arrival in Britain .
This marked a significant modification from the old system , where many plant health inspection took position at importers ' own facilities . However , the passage has been far from legato . Importers cover that official steering has been scant and often last - mo , making it difficult to prepare . Jenney pick apart the rollout as essentially a " infirmary passing play from the late government , " observe that even after " years of waiting , " the industriousness still lack firm details on when and how the full checks will be enforce and which products will be affected .
The FPC and the Horticultural Trades Association ( HTA ) jointly write to ministers in late 2024 , highlighting " significant challenges " since the new government began , from rising costs to cumbersome scarlet tape . They urged an pressing meeting with the government to address the problems , stressing that short communicating and unintelligible planning have allow for businesses in limbo .
mount price and the Common User Charger ( CUC)One of the most controversial Modern load is the Common User Charge ( CUC ) – a fee impose on significance to fund border inspection facilities . The CUC can run up to £ 145 per consignment ( for assorted tons of five product types ) . Importers , both large and minor , must now pay this charge on each loading of fresh produce , plant , or blossom entering via hubs like Dover . Industry leaders say the cost are burdensome and disproportionate , especially for small firms . " This is hugely expensive … unaffordable , " Jenney warn , call the CUC " a blatant tax on our manufacture by the UK authorities " that will " drive food inflation . "
Small importers could see their profits wiped out , with thousands of pounds in extra fee each week , and may be squeeze to narrow their product cooking stove or raise cost for shopper . Even larger operators struggle : Jenney estimates some companies will receive £ 50,000–£60,000 in extra annual monetary value from the CUC alone .
The swap bodies have call on the government to suspend or review the £ 145 charge , suggesting a 12 - month halt while the economic wallop is assessed . Without relief , they argue , these fees will inevitably lead to higher Price and less variety on UK store shelf .
Border postponement threaten perishablesBeyond costs , holdup at border checkpoints have egress as a critical issue for this time - tender trade . New review procedure and circumscribed staffing have result to backlogs at Border Control Posts in Kent and elsewhere . Importers report waits that can stretch to 20 time of day or more for loads to be cleared .
" We ’ve become the country that no one wants to supply any longer , " remarked Mike Parr , chief operating officer of PML Seafrigo , UK and Ireland , reflecting the raise exasperation of European partners weary of UK blood-red tape .
As things stand , Europe ’s flower farms and plant nurseries — from the rosaceous field of the Netherlands to Italian European olive tree tree raiser — face an obstacle course sending good to the UK . British importers are bewitch in the middle , juggling irregular postponement , surging price , and reams of paperwork in a bid to keep shops stock and garden bloom .
The quality among these businesses is one of deep business organization , but also determination . They emphasize that they accept the need for biosecurity in a post - Brexit world , yet feel the current organisation is over - complicated and under - prepared , hitting them with burden that could be avoided with smarter insurance policy . " Ultimately there will be fewer merchandise available or UK consumer will hold the brunt of the cost , " Nigel Jenney warn , if the status quo continues .
His plea – echoed by many in the sphere – is for the government to provide clarity , fairness and support before the site worsens . In the meanwhile , the UK ’s slashed blossom and plant importers remain in a precarious position , doing their good to pilot the young rules .
For more selective information : FPCTel : +44 ( 0 ) 1733 237117Email:[email protected]www.freshproduce.org.uk
