Dates for introducing certain phytosanitary certification and checks for plants and plant products arriving from the EU have been thrown into doubt following reports in the national media in August which suggested the government is to delay implementation of its Border Target Operating Model.
According to the draft model’s current timeline, physical/identity checks for high-risk plants, which extends to all plants for planting, were due to move from the point of destination to border control points at the end of next January.
A report in the Financial Times said the reason for the expected delay, which at the time had yet to be officially announced, was the effect the new rules would have on inflation, which is proving difficult to control.
In a statement to The Commercial Greenhouse Grower, a government spokesperson said it was ‘reflecting on the valuable feedback provided by a range of businesses and industry stakeholders.’
They added: “The government remains committed to delivering the best border in the world. The Border Target Operating Model is key to delivering this and introduces an innovative approach to importing that will be introduced progressively.”
The model is expected to cut costs by reducing the complexity and volume of paperwork associated with importing compared to the original plans that were to be phased in from July last year.
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