UK again delays introduction of full EU import rules after Brexit

The UK government has once again shelved plans to introduce full checks on imports from the EU, issued after the country left the bloc. The implementation of new rules, including those relating to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) inspections, has been delayed for the fourth time.

UK ministers have previously said they want to give their ports time to build the necessary infrastructure and allow EU businesses to prepare for the rules.

Brussels introduced its rules on UK imports early last year after the country officially left the bloc, more than four years after it voted to leave the EU.

The checks, due in July, are now scheduled to be in place by the end of 2023, the UK government said on 28 April. London pointed to pressure on supply chains due to the Ukrainian crisis and rising global energy prices.

Controls include: the requirement for safety declarations for imports from the EU; the need for sanitary certification for further imports of SPS; and restrictions on the import of chilled MEAT from the EU. The UK government said it would consider "how best to implement these remaining controls".

“Today’s decision will allow UK businesses to focus on the recovery from the pandemic, manage global supply chain challenges and ensure that new costs are not passed on to consumers,” added Jacob Rees-Mogg, UK Minister for Brexit Opportunities. “It is vital that we have the right import control regime in place so we will now be working with industry to review these remaining controls to best serve the UK’s own interests.”

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), which represents food manufacturers operating in the UK, said it welcomed the "clarity" brought by the government's announcement.

Dominic Goody, HEAD of International Trade at the FDF, added: “The UK Government must now work with industry to create a new, modern and innovative border system that delivers real value to businesses and consumers. As part of this, it is critical to make a real difference to the way SPS certification is achieved by rewarding reliable traders with high standards.”

However, the UK Farmers' Union said the new delay in the rules was "unacceptable". NFU President Minette Butters said: “It is astounding that the government is taking such an unacceptable approach to critical checks on imports of agri-food commodities from the EU. These checks are absolutely necessary for national biosecurity, animal HEALTH and food safety, and without them we are really at risk. The fact that these checks were delayed three times was already bad enough, but now they are practically canceled in favor of an unknown system, this is unacceptable.