Almost eight years after the Brexit referendum, and after five delays in two years, physical inspections of European imports deemed a “medium risk” to UK biosecurity will begin today as part of a new border regime.
A fraction of imported items, including fresh meat, fish, and dairy products, will be inspected by plant and animal inspectors. Importers worry that this process may disrupt supply chains, especially for fresh goods that must be received quickly.
The physical examinations take place three months after new import documentation, such as health certificates that demand consignment approval from veterinarians and plant inspectors, was introduced.
The government acknowledges that the charges imposed on importers for every consignment entering the UK, regardless of whether it is halted for inspection, will increase annual business expenses by almost £330 million and contribute to a 0.2% increase in food inflation over a three-year period.
