The last few weeks have seen growers, packers and processors expressing their concerns about the imminent border inspection regime. However, last week they were dismayed when the Government Plant Health Portal for the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) suddenly reclassified a substantial volume of EU fresh produce as medium risk, with the implementation date given as 31 October 2024.
The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) said, ‘Despite the lack of an official public statement, FPC believes the implications of this decision are profound.’ CEO Nigel Jenney added, “This verdict delivers a severe blow to the industry and will have widespread ramifications.”
Exporters in the EU will have to complete Phytosanitary Certificates (a sort of health certificate), which will be signed by a health official. Those certificates must then be lodged by the importer on DEFRA’s Import of Products Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS) to notify the enforcement authorities in the UK.
Even if produce is not diverted to a Border Control Post for inspection, a Common User Charge will be levied on each consignment. Although the Government estimates this charge to be between £20 and £43, details have not been released. As the majority of fresh produce is transported in mixed ‘groupage’ loads, the FPC believes the system could cost the industry £200 million a year.
“The system is not fit for purpose,” Nigel Jenney told ITV News. “I doubt there are enough officials in the EU to generate the volume of Phytosanitary Certificates which are going to be required.”
In a further development, some of the information was then removed from the Government website. “We are seeking urgent clarity,” added Jenney. “However, the October date has now removed from Defra’s website, which simply causes further confusion.
“The cost implication is basically a combination of different fees that the industry will have to pay to the UK government to manage the import process and subsequent inspections. There’s a much more effective way of actually managing the controls, which are absolutely appropriate, and that allow controls at the point of destination. These have already been approved by the UK government.”
Elsewhere, Steve Cock, director at customs broker The Customs House Ltd, commented, “The announcement by Defra, that it will require Phytosanitary Certificates for a significant proportion of the fruit and veg arriving from the EU, is utter madness. Whilst this will not add significantly to the costs associated with moving a lorryload of a single product to a supermarket, it will be highly inflationary for businesses that move smaller often mixed consignments.”
A government spokesperson said, “We are committed to delivering the most advanced border in the world. The Border Target Operating Model is key to delivering this, protecting the UK’s biosecurity. We have introduced these import controls to support businesses and ensure the efficient trade of fruit and vegetables is maintained between the EU and Great Britain.
“We are taking a phased approach – including temporarily moving all medium risk goods from EU, such as fruit and vegetables, to low risk to ensure business do not face any unnecessary burdens. We will continue to work closely with businesses across the UK as the controls are implemented.”