UK to again delay Brexit border checks on food

LONDON — The U.K. government is further delaying the introduction of Brexit checks on EU imports — amid concerns they could hit food prices.

An “easement” on controls applying to fruit and vegetables, currently due to expire in January, will be extended to July under plans spelled out by ministers.

Full checks on goods arriving from the EU were originally meant to come into force at the end of the Brexit transition period on Dec. 31, 2020, but have been repeatedly delayed over the last four years.

In a letter to industry, Environment Minister Sue Hayman confirmed that the government was again looking to delay the introduction of controls on fresh fruit and vegetables until July 1, 2025.

The U.K.’s fresh produce sector has been warning that it is still in the dark over the scope of the controls — which already apply to other EU plant and animal products.

Industry says the checks will create £200 million in extra costs to industry and consumers and could push up prices in supermarkets.

In a letter to industry, Environment Minister Sue Hayman confirmed that the government was again looking to delay the introduction of controls on fresh fruit and vegetables until July 1, 2025. | Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

This week trade group the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) said that following discussions with ministers and officials “an extension to 1 July 2025 is being proposed by Defra.”

The FPC said an extension would be “most encouraging” and would “allow industry to prepare” and “understand the requirements and impacts these will have.”

“We are delighted … that there is a willingness of the new Government to work with industry by delaying this date,” a spokesperson for the group said.

“We believe that [sanitary and phytosanitary] controls are vital to protect plant health and food safety but also recognise that, with the current delays and IT issues, it is imperative that all supply chains are fully prepared for any significant changes.”.

Ministers told industry that they will be launching a consultation on an extension soon.

The checks may end up being temporary as in the long run the new government wants to sign a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the EU — which if successful would remove the requirement for such controls.

The extension of the easement was first reported by the i newspaper, which obtained the letter from the minister to industry.

The Department for Food and Rural Affairs told POLITICO it did not comment on leaks.