New regulations introduced to address Brexit border control could lead to shortages of food and fresh flowers imported from the EU and raise prices, say experts.
The measures, which are designed to protect biosecurity, are said to add up to 17% to shipping costs British importers have told Sky News.
Shipments will now have to be accompanied by a health certificate on plant and animal products classified as a “medium” risk.
The government says new measures will cost the industry £330m, while the grocery sector could also see an additional £200m to be added to fresh fruit and vegetable prices in the future.
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Delays could also be caused by inspections of faulty paperwork, which in turn could derail supply chains that rely on fast turnaround of goods.
Earlier this week, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced the physical checks for medium-risk produce would launch in October, before retracting their statement to say they would instead only give three months’ notice of the implementation.
The last-minute change in policy has led to criticism from the trade body Institute of Export and International Trade.
General secretary Marco Forgione said: “The confusion caused by the announcement… is disturbing, particularly at a point when significant changes are being planned for the general operation of the UK border.”
A government spokesman replied: “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 from potentially harmful pests and diseases and maintaining trust in our exports.
“We are taking a phased approach – including initially not requiring pre-notification and inspections for EU medium-risk fruit and vegetables and other medium-risk goods – to support businesses and ensure the efficient trade is maintained between the EU and Great Britain.”
