Overview

• The UK government has delayed the introduction of medium-risk fruit and vegetable border checks from July 1, 2025, to January 31, 2027.
• The suspension coincides with Brussels talks on a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement intended to align UK rules with EU standards.
• If finalised, the SPS deal would eliminate routine inspections of plant and animal products, cutting bureaucracy at the border.
• Industry bodies including the Fresh Produce Consortium estimate the pause will save businesses around £200 million in annual supply chain costs.
• Biosecurity Minister Helene Hayman said the agreement will make food cheaper and simplify controls under Sir Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset deal.