London, UK: Confusion and uncertainty still remain over the introduction of sanitary and phytosanitary checks, due to start next week. The government, despite claiming the checks will start on Tiusday, admits it is taking a “pragmatic approach” to introducing border checks with parts of the risk management system not initially switched on, to reduce the risk of disruption.
MPs on the environment, food and rural affairs select committee (EFRA) have demanded clarity on the exact nature of the physical inspections on plant and food products. Robert Goodwill, the chair of the committee, demanded clarity from the government over what the latest delays would look like in practice.
The letter asked the minister the following:
- What will a “graduated” or “light touch” approach to the 30 April measures look like in practice
- What percentage of new SPS checks in imports will take place from 30 April in each risk category, and when will the measures be scaled up to their intended capacity? Will the volume of checks vary between points of entry?
- What barriers remain to implement any or all of the checks on 30 April?
- What is the status of the Sevingtom inland border facility, and will it be operational on 30 April?
- What impact will any delays to the expected checks have on goods being imported from non-Eu countries?
In a letter to the environment secretary, Steve Barclay, Goodwill said it was clear that ports and businesses were facing further uncertainty and were “confused and frustrated” over the delivery of the border controls. He said: “There is broad consensus that a clearly communicated, phased implementation of SPS checks with distinct, achievable milestones is a strategic and pragmatic approach to change.”
“We are concerned that your approach, if as reported, has resulted from poor planning and delivery of the model.”
“We are concerned that this is a sixth delay to the implementation of SPS import checks in all but name,” he wrote.
The government insisted that checks would begin but said some would be delayed, with inspectors focusing on the highest risk products before scaling up to a more comprehensive regime in the future.
Last week, the Cold Chain Federation described the system as in complete disarray warning that the confusion around the government’s plans made it difficult for businesses to plan. Phil Pluck, chief executive, Cold Chain Federation, said: “The ongoing confusion about how and when new checks will be introduced makes these preparations incredibly challenging. A phased approach is the right one but businesses urgently need clear information about what exactly these phases will include, and a definitive timeline.”
Ports have also complained that they have not received crucial information from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) about inspector staffing arrangements and opening hours.
Logistics UK said its members did not share the government’s confidence that everything would run smoothly. Nichola Mallon, head of trade and devolved policy, Logistics UK, said: “With just a few days to go before this new regime comes into force, fundamental questions remain about the capabilities of the government’s systems and facilities to process loads containing food and other perishable goods efficiently and at pace.
“Any delays can ruin fresh produce, reducing its value and increasing wastage, and this could cause breaks in the UK’s interconnected supply chain.
“Further urgent clarification is needed from government on the exact timeline as to when physical checks will be scaled up and how the charging system will be enforced. And government still hasn’t responded to industry concerns that the cumulative cost of these new processes will put smaller operators out of business.”
Mallon said that despite haulage companies’ best efforts to prepare, its members continued to face chaos: “Logistics businesses deserve clarity on how they are to continue to operate effectively to protect the UK’s supply chain,” she said.
