Dover, UK: The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) is sounding the alarm about the potential cost implications of the new border checks, due to be introduced in January 2025, on imported goods from the EU. The FPC is calling on the government to provide immediate clarity on when the checks will be introduced and which products will be affected otherwise potential disruptions could lead to higher food prices and reduced availability of fresh produce.
The FPC is warning that the fresh produce sector, which includes fruit, vegetables, cut flowers, and plants, could see price rises unless the government takes action to delay or revise the checks.
Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the FPC, highlighted the consortium’s concerns during an interview with BBC Radio 4 last week, stressing that the sector remains in the dark about the specifics of these checks.
Despite ongoing consultations with the government, there is no definitive confirmation regarding the scope of the regulations or which products will be affected.
“This is a hospital pass from the previous government,” said Jenney said.
“We are simply waiting for confirmation of when these checks will begin to occur and which products will be within the controls, and we simply don’t have it at this time after years of waiting.”
If the regulations come into effect fully, it could mean that over 2,000 vehicles each week bringing fresh produce into the UK will be subject to stringent controls.
Jenney said that preparing for the checks could lead to significant costs for the industry and consumers, especially if the checks turn out to be unnecessary.
The FPC is calling for a cost-effective and clear implementation strategy.
“There’s two aspects here,” said Jenney. “On the basis of the regulations, they are based on risk from a biosecurity point of view, so risk of potential pests and diseases.
“If the government confirms that many of these products are low risk, the controls don’t need to happen and the costs don’t need to be incurred.
“However, what we should remember is that the broader strategy that has been adopted by the previous government is so enormously expensive that these costs cannot be absorbed by the industry.”
