New plans for post-Brexit border controls on goods coming into the UK will deter many EU suppliers and push up food prices, a trade association has said.
The government says its proposals will prevent delays by reducing the need for physical checks on many goods.
However, the Cold Chain Federation said it was “deeply concerned” about the complex forms and costs faced by exporters.
The Cabinet Office said it was a “major step forward for the security and efficiency of our borders”.
The plans, which have been postponed several times, aim to introduce controls that the UK is required to implement as part of its Brexit trade deal with the EU.
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The government said under the new model there would be:
- Rigorous testing of animal and plant products to protect against diseases like African swine fever and Xylella
- Checks were carried out outside ports to avoid scenes observed at Dover last weekend
- A digital system that enables the streamlining of the customs and regulatory process through a “single trade window” where traders can submit information about goods
- A Trusted Trader pilot program for frequent importers
- Health certificates for animal and vegetable products from the EU until October 31st.
But Shane Brennan, chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation, which represents chilled food retailers, told the BBC’s Today program that the government has failed to deliver on promises of a “radically transformed and reconsidered” regime.
“Imagine you are a UK and EU food exporter of Parma ham or buffalo mozzarella. From October you need to know more complex rules, find a local vet, pay them between €200 and €700 to fill out complex forms, find a specialist haulier, pay a customs agent and pay UK inspection fees of up to £42.
“A significant number of these types of exporters will choose not to,” he said.
Mr Brennan said if the draft proposals went through as planned there would be a “painful realignment with significant short-term disruption” for the UK.
“Nothing in these plans will prevent that. We will get food from all over the world, but it will be more expensive, there will be less choice, it will be slower and more complicated.”
Cabinet Secretary Baroness Neville-Rolfe said: “Our proposals strike a balance between creating confidence for consumers and businesses and reducing costs and friction for businesses, which in turn will help the economy grow.”
Ministers are encouraging businesses to prepare for the new rule ahead of the October 31 start date.
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