Trouble at the border?

Additional checks are being proposed to import fresh produce into Great Britain:
- By the end of 2023, medium-risk goods will require a phytosanitary form.
- All high and medium-risk goods must go through Border Control Points (BCPs) from the beginning of 2024.
- Common user charges of up to £43 per consignment for products entering GB via the EU have been proposed to cover the operational costs of BCPs.

These suggested changes will impact the industry's current “least cost, highly efficient supply chains” from Europe and leave companies vulnerable to further costs. Currently, the Target Operating Model does not address all of the industry's concerns. For example, effectively managing groupage deliveries, including various products from various suppliers with different risk categories that do not cause logistic confusion. This relates to the lack of clarification of a ‘consignment’ regarding the user charges.

Increased costs could come from the waste of perishable items in extended wait periods, not fulfilling customer orders, drivers out of UK driver hours, and varying consignment charges. The fresh produce industry will be unable to absorb all these costs. Unfortunately, as the government has yet to formulate a cost-effective solution, this impact will be passed on to the customer. In addition, an increase in administrative requirements could impact European trade.