New Post-Brexit Border Controls on EU Imports to Britain Come into Force

Industry Bodies Raise Concerns Over Potential Delays, Increased Costs, and Disruption to Supply Chains

• New post-Brexit border controls on food, plant, and animal imports from the EU to Britain have come into force, marking the start of the UK reversing the free flow of such goods allowed since the creation of the EU single market in 1993.
• The new controls require health certificates on EU goods ranging from cut flowers to fresh produce including meat, fruit, and vegetables, and are expected to add more than £300m a year to the price of trading with the continent.
• Industry bodies have raised concerns about potential delays and increased costs, which could lead to higher prices for consumers and disruption to supply chains, particularly for fresh goods.
• Government officials argue that the new controls are necessary for biosecurity and to level the playing field for UK exporters, and that the additional costs will not have a significant impact on food inflation.
• Further checks and regulations are expected to be rolled out in phases over the coming nine months, with physical checks at the border set to begin from 30 April.

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