The government has confirmed that it will scrap planned border checks on fruit and vegetable imports from the European Union, in a move aimed at cutting costs and lower food prices.

The decision comes ahead of a wider sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement being negotiated between the UK and EU.

It is understood the new deal is expected to significantly reduce the need for routine border checks on food and agricultural goods.

From 1 July 2025, checks on medium-risk produce, including items such as tomatoes, grapes, cherries, plums, peaches and peppers, were due to be enforced under the government’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).

These will now be postponed until at least 31 January 2027, as a temporary easement while the SPS deal is finalised.

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“This government’s EU deal will make food cheaper, slash bureaucracy and remove cumbersome border controls for businesses,” said Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman.

“A strengthened, forward-looking partnership with the European Union will deliver for working people as part of our Plan for Change.”

The pause means that no import checks or inspection fees will be applied to medium-risk EU fruit and veg during the extended period, saving businesses time and money.

The government said the future SPS deal would help create a dedicated UK-EU zone for plant and animal products, aligning risk standards and removing the need for many current checks, helping strengthen supply chains and support grocery price stability.

While full details of the agreement are yet to be finalised, businesses must still follow BTOM requirements until changes are confirmed.

The government stressed that UK biosecurity remains a priority, and that risk-based surveillance and monitoring by Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency will continue to ensure the safe movement of goods.