The logistics sector is again reeling after the goalposts were changed, and the industry was thrown into turmoil. Phase two of border controls finally came into force at the end of April involving physical checks and the common user charge rule change, as part of the U.K.’s Brexit trade agreement.
Until as recently as April, importers didn’t know what charges they would face at Border Control Points.
The introduction of new fixed charges on imports of fresh produce and plants is yet another blow to the already fragile fresh produce sector, which has already been hit by so many additional costs and challenges due to the post-Brexit border control plans.
This followed the unexpected announcement in January that a broad range of European fruit and vegetables would be recategorized from low risk to medium risk — thus necessitating physical inspections at U.K. border posts.
The introduction of new fixed charges on imports of fresh produce and plants is yet another blow to the already fragile fresh produce sector.
The news marked yet another U-turn by the U.K. government, which had a profound impact on those operating in the transfer of perishable fruit and vegetables from Europe into the U.K., and ultimately, on the availability of fresh produce on the supermarket shelves. We’ve already endured so much chaos at the behest of officials who seem to be either oblivious or simply don’t care regarding the ramifications of their erratic decision making.
In July 2022, I spoke out following the decision to defer the planned checks on European plant and animal produce, and sympathized with the news that British ports were contemplating taking legal action after investing heavily in post-Brexit border control facilities. Facilities that were then not required when the timelines were changed.
Since then, the proposed physical checks on fresh food and plants coming into the U.K. have been constantly delayed. The sector responsible for the transfer of perishable goods has been admirably represented by the Fresh Produce Consortium, which has worked tirelessly to put forward the industry’s concerns. At the back end of last year, we all thought that, finally, we knew where we stood and could plan our business activities accordingly.
We have not been privy to the risk assessments that have led to those in power to decree that certain fruits and vegetables now represent a medium risk and must therefore be inspected, so we remain baffled as to why there has been a complete retraction of all that has been previously debated and agreed.
What we do know is that this latest directive will signal major disruption in the supply of fresh fruits and vegetables to the U.K. Prices will inevitably be driven up as more European producers decide to boycott the U.K. market due to the unacceptable costs, and, frankly, pure hassle, associated with exporting to Britain.
We also know the inland border facility at Sevington is simply not equipped to cope, and the resulting queues for drivers trying to access the government Border Control Post will cripple the transport network. That will of course, result in perishable goods sitting in transit for lengthy periods, which will have a detrimental impact on shelf life.
Furthermore, if the government goes ahead with this system, Sevington is unable to provide the necessary temperature-controlled warehousing facilities or sufficient staff to enable the removal of certain items from a groupage consignment, which means that a whole consignment would be condemned rather than individual items.
Companies such as PML Seafrigo, which has invested in an Inland Border Hub in Kent, can play a part in alleviating the delays and help customers avoid the costly Common User Charge, but clients must remember to nominate the correct Border Control Post on the new IPAFF entry system to avoid selection for inspection by default at Sevington. This will also ensure no additional charge is made for groupage.
The truth is, the U.K. is becoming a laughingstock and many producers are simply not interested in working within its ever-changing logistics landscape. At a time when the whole nation is being encouraged to engage in a healthier lifestyle, which includes eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, these very items are likely to become less available and more expensive.
To say we are frustrated is an understatement.
Mike Parr is the director at PML Seafrigo, London.
