The British government has announced another delay to post-Brexit physical checks on “medium risk” fruit and vegetables imported from the European Union, pushing the implementation back by six months to July 1, 2025.
This is the latest in a series of postponements aimed at easing the transition to Britain’s new border rules, which have been gradually introduced since Brexit.
Although the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016, the complexities of separating supply chains and setting up customs borders have caused significant delays in implementing the new trade rules.
The first phase of the UK’s new border model began on January 31, 2024, requiring additional certification for certain goods. This was followed by a second phase on April 30, which introduced physical checks on products such as meat, fish, cheese, eggs, and some flowers and seeds.
However, physical checks on fruit and vegetables, initially scheduled for January 2025, have been repeatedly postponed. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that the checks will now be delayed until July 2025.
During this period, “medium risk” fruit and vegetables will not face import checks at the UK border or be subject to associated fees.
Defra described the delay as a “temporary measure” to give the new Labour government time to thoroughly review the planned implementation of further border controls.
The department also indicated that the government will use this time to listen to feedback from businesses across the import supply chain, ensuring that the transition is managed carefully.
The fruit and vegetable industry has warned that the introduction of these new checks could lead to increased costs.
The Fresh Produce Consortium, an industry body, estimates that the additional border controls could add £200 million ($263 million) in costs, which may ultimately result in higher prices for consumers.
In a related move, Defra also announced that seven commodity groups, including apples and pears, will be reclassified from “medium risk” to “low risk,” allowing these goods to continue moving freely into Britain from the EU from January 30, 2025. This reclassification will help ease the burden on some sectors of the produce industry.
The delay has sparked mixed reactions, with businesses welcoming the breathing room, but also raising concerns about the long-term impacts of continued uncertainty over post-Brexit trade rules.
Industry groups are calling for clear communication and support to help manage the eventual transition and avoid price hikes for consumers.
