Ahead of the key Valentine’s trading period, the Dutch Association of Wholesalers in Floricultural Products (VGB) has called for a swift and robust SPS deal between the UK and European Union.
‘It is precisely during this period that it becomes clear how important a robust SPS deal is to get flowers to British consumers efficiently and affordably,’ VGB said in a statement. ‘Dutch traders are mostly positive about the sales results – a Valentine’s Day on Saturday traditionally means an extra incentive – but companies still experience challenges in obtaining plant health certificates and at border controls.’
The group pointed out that to meet peak demand, bouquets in particular need to be produced earlier, so the limited availability of inspections creates logistical challenges for growers and shippers. Smaller shipments to British florists also cause problems such as high costs, unpredictable checks and the risk of delays, all of which make British florists reluctant to place orders through Dutch outlets (including online ones).
The VGB said it is positive about part of a recent report by the UK ERDF Committee in which recognised the value that a UK-EU SPS agreement can have for trade, businesses and consumers. ‘As VGB, we share the view of the ERDF Committee that, in accordance with the previous Common Understanding between the EU and the UK, the UK should be given room for targeted exceptions to dynamic alignment with EU regulations where it applies higher standards,’ it said.
However, the trade association also stressed ‘such exceptions are not relevant for our sector.’ It continued, ‘For the flower trade, equality of standards and predictability are crucial. From that perspective, VGB is also not in favour of a general transition period. If a transitional period is nevertheless deemed necessary to deal with unequal standards, it is best to be sector specific. A broad implementation period would unnecessarily prolong existing border problems.’
For the flower trade, the VGB is arguing for the earlier suspension of inspections on five medium-risk flowers. ‘Although temporary solutions, such as previously with the confirmation of UK plant passports and the temporary suspension of checks on fruit and vegetables, only provide short-term relief and remain associated with uncertainty for companies, they do help to remove the worst obstacles in the prospect of an SPS deal,’ it said. ‘A fast and robust SPS deal, with a joint phytosanitary zone in which the UK and the EU apply equivalent standards, gives companies the clarity and predictability they need. This is essential to guarantee the continuity of the flower and plant chain, even during peak periods such as Valentine’s Day.
Such an SPS deal is not only to the advantage of European exporters and British importers, but ultimately also of the British consumer.’
