MPs demand clarity on border checks for EU food and plant products after Brexit

MPs are questioning the UK’s preparedness for border controls after Brexit, due to be introduced next week. They argue that any scaling back in its plans would represent a six-month delay of their long-awaited implementation.

After it was revealed that physical inspections of plant and food products may be drastically reduced due to concerns about delays at border, the environment, food, and rural affairs (EFRA), select committee, has written to government to demand clarity.

As part of the Border Target Operating Model plan, the government will begin checking medium- and high-risk animal and plant imports from EU on Tuesday.

Last week, the government was concerned that border systems might not be ready.

The government said that some checks would be delayed. Inspectors would focus on the products with the highest risks before implementing a more comprehensive system in the future.

Robert Goodwill demanded clarification from the government on the reasons for the recent delays and a detailed description of how a graduated approach would work in practice to the sanitary-and-phytosanitary (SPS), checks.

Goodwill wrote to Steve Barclay in a letter that it was evident that businesses and ports were facing more uncertainty, and they were “confused” and “frustrated” about the delivery of essential border controls.

He said: “There’s a broad consensus on the fact that a phased, clearly communicated implementation of SPS with clear, achievable milestones, is a pragmatic and strategic approach to change.

We are concerned that, if your approach is as reported, it has been the result of poor planning and delivery.

Goodwill said: “We’re concerned that this is the sixth delay in implementing SPS import controls, but only by name.”

The first physical border checks were scheduled for July 2021, but they were delayed due to the unfinished border control posts. The last delay took place in August 2023.

trade groups described the border system last week as “completely disarray” following the latest delays to checks. Some warned that the confusion surrounding the government’s plan made it difficult to plan.

Businesses have complained repeatedly about not being informed of government border plans. The government has been slow to publish important details, such as the cost to businesses of having plant and animal products enter through the Port of Dover or Channel Tunnel.

Despite a public consultation running last summer, and details being promised before the end of 2023, the specifics of the common user charge were only

Goodwill wrote that it was essential for Defra to take urgent steps to communicate to the businesses and public the new arrangements in order to reduce disruption and build confidence.

The committee demanded information on how many goods the government plans to inspect by Tuesday next week, and monthly updates about the inspections program.

A spokesperson for the government said that a “pragmatic approach” to the introduction of our new border controls minimises disruption and protects biosecurity. It also benefits everyone, especially traders.

Our approach has been welcomed by many trade associations and port authorities.

We are confident that we have the capacity and capability to handle the expected volume and type checks at all entry points.