The Dutch flower-growing industry has raised “significant concerns” about its preparedness for the new post-Brexit border checks scheduled by the United Kingdom, prompting a call for a delay until 2025. The UK government plans to introduce new paperwork requirements for European businesses exporting animal and plant products to Britain, starting in late January, with physical inspections set to commence in April.
Exporters, particularly the Dutch Association of Wholesalers in Floricultural Products (VGB), fear potential losses and damages due to customs delays and lack of readiness for the impending rule changes. In a letter addressed to the UK government, the VGB emphasized the crucial timing of these requirements coinciding with peak trading periods driven by Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mothering Sunday.
The VGB’s director, Matthijs Mesken, expressed concerns about potential delays in product delivery and significant damage to plants during border inspections if stricter physical checks commence in April. The VGB proposed that the UK government, which it described as having “Europe’s most efficient border,” postpone physical checks on plant imports until at least September 2025.
James Barnes, the chair of the UK Horticultural Trades Association, echoed worries about delays to imports caused by Brexit and expressed fears that the situation could worsen under the new regime, describing the new border as a “disaster waiting to happen.”
Concerns have also arisen regarding potential price increases for food and plants due to importers being unable to absorb the costs associated with the new checks. The UK government, however, emphasizes that the border strategy is essential for safeguarding the country against biosecurity threats, utilizing “Brexit freedoms” to streamline import regulations for goods worldwide.
The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs stated that the border target operating model (BTOM) introduces controls vital for safeguarding the UK’s food supply chains and agricultural sector. The government is collaborating with stakeholders to support readiness for the BTOM, leveraging technology and data to simplify trade processes and minimize administrative burdens and costs.
