London, UK: UK and EU trade disruption is predicted with EU exporters not ready for UK customs changes which start this month, warn trade associations. The new Border Target Operating Model comes into force in February and will be introduced in three phases. Initially, EU exporters of animal and plant products, such as eggs, dairy, meat and berries, will be required to present Export Health Certificates to British authorities.
But physical checks on shipments will start only in May followed by a requirement for safety and security certificates from November. Marco Forgione, director general of the Institute of Export & International Trade, representing UK importers, said large EU firms would probably cope with Britain’s new rules but smaller, specialist food exporters, may struggle.
Make UK, which represents manufacturers, has earlier said the majorityof firms it surveyed faced problems doing business with the EU with customs and clearance the biggest barrier.
William Bain, head of trade policy, British Chambers of Commerce, said there was a risk of congestion and delays when the checks start in April. “The government’s not telling us what they’re going to do.”
The British Retail Consortium and the Fresh Produce Consortium have also expressed concern while the British Meat Processors Association is worried that a lack of veterinary capacity in the EU might slow health certification.
James Barnes, chair of the Horticultural Trades Association, said there was a risk that the UK’s new border infrastructure, processes and IT systems would not be ready for April, the biggest month for plant shipments. “It’s unfortunate that it’s happening when we think things aren’t ready and at the busiest time of year,” Barnes said.
The government said all infrastructure and systems were ready or on track to be ready by April and it would implement checks carefully with a view to avoiding delays.
