UK ministers are set to confirm a fifth delay to the implementation of post-Brexit border controls on food and fresh products coming from the EU, pushing the launch of the new regime into next year.
Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor, backed the delay owing to fears that the new red tape will push up food prices during an inflationary crisis, while traders have also asked for more time to get ready for the new system.
The new regime for animal and plant products was originally meant to start in 2021, but the latest delay will mean that new paperwork will not be required until January and checks on imports will not start at ports until April 2024.
The Cabinet Office said an announcement of the new regime and timetable would be made “shortly”; officials said it would come as early as Thursday — or by next week at the latest.
Labour condemned as “absolutely shambolic” the government’s handling of the issue, which means that food and other animal and plant products will continue to enter the UK from the EU without any controls.
Full checks have applied on British exports heading in the other direction since January 2021, to the fury of UK farmers, who believe they are operating against continental rivals on an uneven playing field.
“They have delayed new border checks time and time again, creating huge uncertainty for businesses,” said Gareth Thomas, shadow international trade minister.
The Financial Times revealed earlier this month that the new food import regime would be delayed, although ministers said as recently as April that it was their “firm intention” for it to begin on October 31.
Government officials said Hunt wanted to delay the costs associated with the post-Brexit checks, which would add to food bills.
The government will confirm the delay when it publishes its new “border target operating model”, the supposedly streamlined and modern regime that it will apply to animal and plant products.
Under the new timetable, health certification on imports of “medium risk” products — due to be introduced on October 31 — will be pushed back to January, according to those briefed on the government’s plans.
Physical checks that were due to start in January have been pushed back until April, government insiders said. The final rollout, if it is not delayed again, will be completed in October 2024, with the introduction of safety and security declarations for EU imports.
Traders said the delay would give ports and hauliers more time to prepare, while the delay in physical checks until April 2024 would avoid the busiest winter period, when British supermarkets rely heavily on imported products.
A government spokesperson said: “The government remains committed to delivering the best border in the world. The border target operating model is key to delivering this and introduces an innovative approach to importing that will be introduced progressively.”
William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Shifting back some of the milestones will give businesses and their suppliers more time to prepare and allow them to operate in a context where food price inflation may have peaked.
“For the companies we represent, the key issue before new controls and processes are introduced, is whether the physical and digital infrastructure is ready at Dover, Holyhead and entry ports across Great Britain. The focus must now be squarely on this if the new approach is to work.”
