Brexit Import Checks Threaten UK Food Supply
Ministers' decision to implement Brexit import checks on April 30th has prompted industry leaders to issue stark warnings about potential food shortages in the UK. The short notice of 27 days has left small retailers, including delis and farm shops, scrambling to ensure they can still supply products to their customers.
EU Suppliers Withdraw
EU exporters are already showing signs of frustration with British red tape, with some either pausing supply operations or withdrawing completely from the UK market. The additional bureaucratic requirements, including fees of up to £145 per consignment and various certificates, are driving EU suppliers to seek alternative markets.
Cost Burden on Importers
Importers in the UK have been grappling with mounting Brexit bureaucracy since 2020, and the upcoming import checks will further add to their burden. The introduction of a "common user charge" (CUC) of up to £145 per consignment is expected to significantly increase the cost of importing chilled food and plants, ultimately leading to higher prices for consumers.
Call for Delay and Flexibility
Industry representatives are calling for a delay in the implementation of border checks and greater flexibility in the process. They argue that the current arrangements are too onerous and impractical, particularly for fresh food imports, which often occur overnight when government inspectors are not available.
Impact on Fresh Produce
While the new controls initially exclude fresh fruit and vegetables, suppliers of lower-value crops are already diverting their produce elsewhere. With impending rules for fresh produce likely to come into force in October, the UK's reliance on imported food is set to face further challenges.
Concerns for Farmers and Specialty Suppliers
British farmers are bracing for an exceptionally poor harvest this year due to adverse weather conditions, exacerbating the country's reliance on imported food. Specialty suppliers, such as those dealing in flowers and deli items, are facing tough decisions about whether to absorb additional costs or pass them on to consumers.
Government Response
The government defends the introduction of border checks, emphasizing the importance of biosecurity measures to protect the UK's food supply and environment. They assert that the common user charge has been set with smaller businesses in mind, although industry leaders continue to express concerns about its impact.
Uncertain Future for UK Trade
As Brexit import checks loom, the UK faces a challenging period of adjustment for its food supply chain. The decisions made in the coming months will have far-reaching implications for businesses, consumers, and the broader economy, underscoring the complexity and uncertainty surrounding post-Brexit trade arrangements.
