Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Government IT system 'not ready' for post-Brexit checks

Government IT system 'not ready' for post-Brexit checks
(Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images

Food supplies may face further disruption from Jan 1 due to the "medieval" government IT system that is still not yet ready to process post-Brexit paperwork, claimed a recent media report which also cited business groups’ warning predicting lesser choice and higher prices for British shoppers, as well as more gaps on retailers' shelves.

From Jan 1, importers must comply with a host of new requirements including full customs declarations, rules of origin forms and notifications for food imports. Shipments of plant and animal products will require online forms detailing every type of item as well as its source and destination.


According to a recent report by The Independent, some companies that are importing food from the EU are finding it cumbersome to submit vital details of their cargo because government software is “plagued by technical bugs”.

Problems are primarily affecting shipments of fruit, vegetables and plants, with importers also experiencing difficulty logging details of animal products, claimed the report.

Although the government has acknowledged the issue, it is yet to establish a workaround, implying ambiguity for importers who are not sure when they will be able to submit the required forms for food imports.

“We are investigating these cases and working with impacted users to provide a short-term work around, and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause,” the report quoted a spokesperson for the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra).

UK is particularly dependent on EU imports of fresh fruit and vegetables, with around 90 per cent of lettuces and 85 per cent of tomatoes shipped in from across the Channel.

Apart from the reported tech bug, food importers are also frustrated that, from Jan 1, they will be forced to “manually input data for each shipment” because software to automatically upload information won't be ready for months.

"It is like we have gone back to medieval times and we are copying books by hand instead of using a printing press," said Michael Szydlo, founder of Quick Declare, a company that helps dozens of businesses import and export goods.

Software to allow automatic uploads was supposed to be ready by Jan 1, but reportedly has been delayed, with no firm date set for its release.

More for you

Volumatic welcomes new FCA rules safeguarding access to cash

Volumatic welcomes new FCA rules safeguarding access to cash

As industry leaders is cash handling, Volumatic has long supported the use of cash and the importance of maintaining access to cash for both consumers and businesses. The company recognises the importance of the new set of rules created by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) two months ago, to safeguard access to cash for businesses and consumers across the UK.

Since introduction, the new rules are intended to ensure that individuals and businesses who rely on cash can continue to access it and the outcome has already sparked the creation of 15 new banking hubs across the UK, including one in Scotland, with many more to follow.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jisp unveils new NPD service

Jisp unveils new NPD service

Retail technology company Jisp has launched an NPD service as part of its new Direct to Retailer business unit.

The new NPD service will allow brands to launch or trial new products in a guaranteed number of convenience store locations, with on the ground review of execution by Jisp’s retail growth manager team, and performance data and insights deliverable through its scanning technology and back-office systems.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tesco launches price cuts in Express convenience stores
File image of Tesco Express

Tesco launches price cuts in Express convenience stores

Tesco is slashing the price of more than 222 own-brand and branded products in its Express convenience stores.

Essentials including milk, bread, pasta and coffee are included in the lines which have been reduced in price by an average of more than 10 per cent at Tesco Express stores. The retail giant has made more than 2,800 price cuts across stores in recent months. With 2,048 of convenience stores at the end of the 2023-24 financial year, Tesco aims to benefit hundreds of thousands of customers from the cheaper deals.

Keep ReadingShow less
vape and cigarette
Photo: iStock

One in five ex-smokers in England now vape, study finds


Summary
1. One in five people who have successfully quit smoking in England currently vape, with an estimated 2.2 million individuals using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.
2. The increase in vaping among ex-smokers is largely driven by the use of e-cigarettes in quit attempts, with a rise in vaping uptake among people who had previously quit smoking for many years before taking up vaping.
3. While vaping may be a less harmful option compared to smoking, there are concerns about the potential long-term implications of vaping on relapse risk and nicotine addiction. Further research is needed to assess the impact of vaping on smoking cessation outcomes.


Keep ReadingShow less
Bira engages with Treasury on Budget fallout, business rate reform
(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Bira engages with Treasury on Budget fallout, business rate reform

Independent retailers association Bira has held a meeting with members of the Treasury team to discuss concerns following its robust response to the Government’s recent Budget announcement.

The Budget, labelled by Bira as "devastating" for independent retailers, was met with widespread indignation from Bira members.

Keep ReadingShow less