The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), under Defra, plans to increase import fees, unchanged since 2019. Proposed plant health charges aim to cover border check costs, effective from autumn 2025, pending approval. APHA suggests a 27% fee hike for full cost recovery.
The fresh produce sector expresses concerns about absorbing increased costs, likely passing expenses to consumers. Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), noted fees could rise from £6.5 million to £16 million annually, impacting fruit, vegetable, and plant sectors.
Jenney attributes rising costs to the UK's altered EU trade relationship, leading to stricter post-Brexit checks. He acknowledges the government's right to cost recovery but stresses the industry's readiness to pay fair prices for fair services.
However, Jenney criticizes the inspection system as "second-rate," citing delivery delays and extra costs for businesses meeting high safety standards. He warns that additional charges will lead to higher consumer prices.
Defra's report estimates operating the Sevington border facility at £23 million in its first year, impacting the common user charge for Dover and Eurotunnel imports. Importers argue that Sevington's costs could lead to higher fees as the government aims to recover expenses.
Jenney calls Sevington's costs "simply obscene" and its service "atrocious," citing delays and poor handling. He notes invoices suggest income surpasses operational costs, yet service quality is lacking.
The Fresh Produce Consortium advocates for an 'authorized operator status' (AOS) scheme, allowing businesses to conduct plant health inspections. A pilot AOS scheme concluded, but broader implementation remains unconfirmed.
Source: FPC