Defra is proposing to further delay the physical border checks on certain EU fruit and veg arriving in UK until July 2025.
If approved by the government, post-Brexit sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks on EU medium-risk fruit and vegetables due to come in from January 2025 will be pushed back to 1 July 2025, Fresh Produce Consortium reveals.
The FPC said it wrote to Baroness Hayman of Ullock, parliamentary under-secretary of state at Defra on July 7 2024, to ask for clarity on the review of medium-risk EU fruit and vegetable products and the adoption of the Authorised Operator Scheme (AOS), calling for an extension for the easement on medium-risk fruit and vegetables.
Baroness Hayman responded on Aug 29, telling the FPC that Defra is currently planning for “easement to end on 1 July 2025”, and that Defra is “looking to adapt SPS controls from this time”.
The under-secretary added that a recommendation to ministers on AOS adoption is anticipated in the first half of 2025.
FPC chief executive Nigel Jenney has consistently warned that UK border checks in their current form will create £200 million in extra costs to industry and consumers, and could push up prices in supermarkets.
In a statement this week, Jenney said, “This consideration to defer the easement until 1 July 2025 is a significant victory if approved. FPC will continue to lobby government on the most appropriate action and timescales to allow industry to prepare, whilst working with our members and EU partners to understand the requirements and the impacts these will have.”
"We are delighted at FPC that there is a willingness of the new Government to work with industry by delaying this date. We believe that SPS controls are vital to protect plant health and food safety but also recognises that, with the current delays and IT issues, it is imperative that all supply chains are fully prepared for any significant changes.”
