UK government delays implementation of fresh food border checks to 2024

31 Aug 2023 --- The UK has delayed the implementation of post-Brexit controls on food, plant and animal produce imports from the EU - for the fifth time. If no further delays are announced, the border checks will come into force on January 31, 2024.

The delay applies to health certification for imports of medium-risk animal products, plants, plant products and high-risk food (and feed) of non-animal origin from the EU.

The UK government estimates the impact of the new border checks to be “minor,” accounting for 0.2% more food inflation across the next three years.

“In developing the Border Target Operating Model, the government has been mindful of the small potential impact on food inflation and has taken into account its firm commitment to bring the rate down,” authorities note.

Initially, the new border checks were supposed to start applying in October.

Now, the new checks will apply from January 2024, starting with the introduction of health certification on relevant EU goods. 

“This [the delay] will bring the launch of the Border Target Operating Model closer to the upcoming simplification of border requirements through the new UK Single Trade Window. We have also sought to respond to stakeholder feedback to improve the wider model and provide further detail on its implementation,” say authorities. 

“Our Border Target Operating Model will ensure more efficient trading for businesses, protect against biosecurity threats and further crackdown on illegal imports such as firearms and drugs,” highlights Lucy Neville-Rolfe, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office.

The delay applies to health certification for imports of medium-risk animal products, plants, plant products and high-risk food (and feed) of non-animal origin from the EU.The delay applies to health certification for imports of medium-risk animal products, plants, plant products and high-risk food (and feed) of non-animal origin from the EU.

The UK government estimates the impact of the new border checks to be “minor,” accounting for 0.2% more food inflation across the next three years.

“In developing the Border Target Operating Model, the government has been mindful of the small potential impact on food inflation and has taken into account its firm commitment to bring the rate down,” authorities note.

Yesterday, the British Retail Consortium underscored that food inflation is “falling fast,” decelerating to 11.5% in August from 13.4% in July.

Boosting biosecurity
The UK government initially announced new border controls to protect the country from foreign threats and boost its trade efficiency through reduced costs and administrative burdens.

The controls will prevent the spread of plant and animal diseases, ensure food products’ quality.

The government also claims that the new system will save businesses £520m (US$659 million) annually by reducing import paperwork and data requirements. The Border Target Operating Model, which uses data and technology to streamline the trading process, will take a risk-based approach to avoid duplication and delays.

“By maximizing the use of data and new technologies, our innovative yet risk-based approach is key to delivering a world-class border system. Once fully implemented, these important post-Brexit measures will bring considerable benefits to the UK economy and UK trade, and the government stands ready to support businesses through this transition,” says Neville-Rolfe.

“Protecting UK biosecurity through effective border controls on the goods that we import is so important. These border controls safeguard the food that we eat and protect animal and plant health across the UK,” adds Richard Benyon, Minister for Biosecurity at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).The UK government claims that the new system will save businesses £520m (US$659 million) annually by reducing import paperwork and data requirements.

Business approval of the new model
According to William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chamber of Commerce, “businesses will be pleased with this clarity as they prepare for the challenging shift to a digital trade system. The focus must now be delivering the Single Trade Window to the timeframes set out. The new approach to digitalizing borders for goods movements could bring real benefits to the SMEs we represent, to trade and to the economy.”

“The critical thing is preparedness. Businesses are making investment and supply chain decisions for the long term and need to be confident that the physical and digital infrastructure around the UK border is going to be in place on time.”

Nigel Jenney, CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium, says that the risk-based approach will reinforce UK biosecurity and promote self-regulation to minimize supply chain disruption.

“Let’s be clear, challenges remain. However, this is a bold step forward to achieve our ambition to become a world-leading destination of choice promoting imports and exports of fantastic fresh produce and flowers and plants.”

Meanwhile, Marco Forgione, director general of the Institute of Export & International trade, notes that the new model will ensure the smooth flow of goods and maintain strong security and biosecurity controls.

“The Border Target Operating Model helps to redress some of the commercial disadvantages that UK businesses have been facing,” he underscores.

In other regulatory moves, the UK government launched a consultation this month on improving the enforcement and regulation of nutrition and health claims on food and drink products. Authorities also decided to abruptly end a trial system meant to digitize the export health certificates required for all fish and chilled food being exported to Europe; authorities also decided to lift strict sanitary controls on Brazilian poultry.

By Marc Cervera