Post-Brexit import checks delay ‘hugely frustrating’

A delay in post-Brexit import checks has been described as hugely frustrating for food producers, after the government announced new border controls won’t be implemented until January 2024. 

It marks the fifth delay to post-Brexit checks on EU imports, after concerns were raised about the impact of on food inflation. 

Downing Street said the timetable was being revised to give businesses more time to prepare for the changes. 

However, British farmers have criticised the delay to changes which include more health and safety checks on food and animal products entering the country.

Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers Union, said that for the past three years farmers “have faced the full reach of EU controls on our exports while the EU has enjoyed continued easy access to the UK marketplace”.

She described the delay as “hugely frustrating” for food producers as British farmers face additional costs and paperwork.

“Proportionate and effective controls are necessary if we are to prevent outbreaks of pests and diseases that threaten human, animal and plant health, the safety, quality and biosecurity of our food products and the confidence of our trading partners” Batters added. 

Marco Forgione, director of the Institute of Export and International Trade, told Sky News the delay would give businesses more time to prepare as well as “ help allay any potential risks” of food being imported into the UK being impacted. 

”Now is the time to prioritise educating businesses on trading sustainably, safely and securely”, he said. 

William Bain, the head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce stressed that “the critical thing is preparedness.”

”Businesses are making investment and supply chain decisions for the long term and need to be confident that the physical and digital infrastructure around the GB border is going to be in place on time,” he added. 

However, Liberal Democrat Treasury and Business spokesperson Sarah Olney raised concerns for small businesses being left in the lurch. 

“Ministers have been forced to delay their plans amid warnings they’d make food even more expensive. Meanwhile, small businesses spent millions preparing for the changes and are now left wondering what’s next”, she added. 

The prime minister’s official spokesman signalled that they were not aware of any plans to move beyond the dates already set out.