The European Fresh Produce Association, Freshfel, has warned that while a ‘worst case scenario’ Brexit may have been avoided, the extra burdens placed on importers and exporters have so far cost the sector €55 million.
In a statement, the organisation said, ‘The sector is already facing significant additional costs through the need for new operational procedures, inspections and bureaucracy. EU exporters are still struggling to adapt to new practices and requirements, for instance in relation to rules of origin to export and re-export to the UK.’
It warned that the situation would get worse in April, and again in July, when further customs rules come into effect. ‘In April, most EU fresh fruit and vegetables will require a phytosanitary certificate to enter the UK, with some Member States’ administrations taking up to 48 hours to issue paper documentation as progress in electronic transmission possibilities remains slow.’
Freshfel Europe General Delegate Philippe Binard emphasized that, “While the situation at the border is currently stable the flow of trade is expected to suffer significantly from the introduction of SPS controls in the coming months impacting the ability to conduct ‘just in time’ operations.”
Elsewhere, Produce Business, claimed that the costs of new operational procedures, inspections and bureaucracy currently amounted to €400 per lorry, costs which will ultimately be borne by UK consumers.
Freshfel Europe Director for Trade Natalia Santos called on the EU and UK to work together to create “Green Lanes for fast-track access of perishables and swift establishment of electronic transmission channels for phytosanitary and other certification.”