The UK government has postponed the planned Brexit-related border inspections on food imports (fruit and vegetables) as it works toward securing a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with Brussels, as reported by Politico. The SPS agreement, agreed upon by both parties at U.K.-EU summit last month, aims to eliminate border checks on plant and animal products.
The government stated on Monday that it would delay the upcoming round of border checks on ‘medium risk’ fruit and vegetable imports due to ongoing negotiations, which may take months to finalize.
The planned checks has not yet implemented and faced multiple delays due to concerns over the potential impact on supply chains. Industry leaders supported the decision as a ‘common-sense’ approach, citing previous estimates that the checks would have added £200 million in costs, ultimately driving up prices.
The SPS agreement will simplify food trade with the EU, making transactions more cost-effective and efficient. By reducing unnecessary procedures and lowering fees for traders moving goods between the UK and EU, the deal will boost supply chain stability and lower costs for businesses and consumers alike.
“This government’s EU deal will make food cheaper, slash bureaucracy and remove cumbersome border controls for businesses. A strengthened, forward-looking partnership with the European Union will deliver for working people as part of our Plan for Change,” Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said.
SPS checks on food imports such as meat, fish, and dairy were introduced on April 30, 2024, by the Conservative government after multiple delays. Initially scheduled for October 2024, the rollout was postponed by the Labour government to July this year but has now been delayed again.
The government has now extended the start date of checks from 1 July 2025 to 31 January 2027 as a precautionary measure following its announcement of plans to secure the new SPS agreement with the EU.
Under the agreement, the UK will adopt EU sanitary and phytosanitary regulations to streamline border procedures for food, plants, and animals, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
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