In a move branded by Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), as a “thinly veiled tax on the industry,” the UK government has implemented new Common User Charges (CUCs) that threaten to cripple small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the fresh produce and plant sectors.
The charges, introduced as part of post-Brexit border controls, are set to add millions in extra costs to the industry, while unnecessarily driving up prices for families.
Industry experts predict this will add £200 million in costs across the fresh produce supply chain, a crippling blow to a sector already grappling with unprecedented challenges.
is simply not a manageable cost for our members,” declared Jenney with fierce urgency.
“These exorbitant charges imposed by our own government represent a direct tax on businesses. It’s a move that will undoubtedly shatter supply chain confidence and is already encouraging EU exporters to reconsider their commitment to supply the UK market.’