The UK Government will be implementing full border controls for food imports from the EU by the end of 2023. Although this has been delayed several times and is already 2 years behind the EU this will have a significant impact on imports of food and it is important your supply chain is ready. Below are a few basic things to consider for your business and supply chain but one imperative is to ensure your experts are getting the latest briefings through our Food and Trade Communities
- What will change?
- Products of animal origin (POAO) such as meat and dairy will need to an Export Health Certificate (EHC) approved in the EU country by a vet to be eligible for import
- Fruit and vegetables will need a phytosanitary certificate to be eligible for import
- Food products will need to be imported through an approved UK port to ensure loads can be checked on arrival
- It is possible but not confirmed some products, such as certain meat preparations may not be eligible for import. The EU has already banned imports of these products but the UK has continued to allow imports, which is subject to review at the end of 2023
- Border checks will be made. As well as customs and other paperwork checks this could include physical inspection and testing of food products
2 When will we know more?
- Early in 2023 the Government will publish its plan, the Target Operating Model (TOM) for imports of food
- Following consultation the TOM will be put into legislation in Spring 2023
- The TOM will also have proposals for a Trusted Trader scheme which, based on requirements of traceability, may give some importers the right to make checks on food away from the border, potentially reducing the risk of delays at the ports
- Implementation of border checks is likely to commence in Autumn 2023. However, it is possible the full inspection and testing of food at the border may be phased in until the end of 2023
3 What should my business be doing?
- Ensure you are keeping up to date with developments. Through our Trade and Food Community we will be sending details of future border checks
- Make sure your European suppliers and importers have visibility of these changes and are preparing for future certification and checks
- Consider whether you or your European suppliers and importers should be involved in discussions on the Trusted Trader scheme. These could give you and/or your supply chain an edge and Defra will be sharing more details in early 2023
- Consider the impact of delays at borders as they are introduced. Although many businesses will be ready and Government is introducing concessions such as the Trusted Trader scheme and e-certification to speed up the process there may well be delays as the ports begin to handle the increased checks