LONDON – The UK government is further delaying the introduction of Brexit checks on EU imports – amid concerns they could affect food prices.
A “relaxation” on restrictions on fruit and vegetables, currently due to expire in January, will be extended to July under plans spelled out by ministers.
Full checks on goods coming from the European Union were intended to come into effect at the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31, 2020, but have been repeatedly delayed over the past four years.
In a letter to the industry, Environment Minister Sue Hamman confirmed that the government again intends to delay the introduction of restrictions on fresh fruit and vegetables until July 1, 2025.
The UK’s fresh produce sector is warning it is still in the dark over the scope of the controls – which already apply to other EU plant and animal products.
The industry says the checks will create £200 million in extra costs for industry and consumers and could lead to higher prices in supermarkets.
Trade group the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) said this week that “an extension to 1 July 2025 is being proposed by Defra” following discussions with ministers and officials.
The FPC said the extension would be “most encouraging” and would “allow the industry to prepare” and “understand the requirements and their implications.”
“We are pleased … that the new government is willing to work with the industry by delaying this date,” a spokesman for the group said.
“We believe so [sanitary and phytosanitary] Controls are important to protect plant health and food safety but also recognize that, with current delays and IT issues, it is essential that all supply chains are fully prepared for any significant changes.”
Ministers told the industry that they would soon launch a consultation on the extension.
The checks may be temporary because in the long term the new government wants to sign a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the EU – which, if successful, would remove the need for such controls.
The extension of the easement was first reported by the newspaper, who received the letter From Minister to Industry.
The Department of Food and Rural Affairs told POLITICO it had no comment on the leak.
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