UK to Postpone EU Fruit and Vegetable Import Checks Again

Britain proposes a further six-month delay on checks for EU-imported fruits and vegetables. This extension follows previous delays and comes eight years post-Brexit. The new checks, estimated to cost the fruit and vegetable industry 200 million pounds, may lead to higher grocery costs for British consumers.

Britain is proposing another six-month delay on checks for fruit and vegetables imported from the European Union, pushing the date to next July, as confirmed by the Fresh Produce Consortium.

This extension, the latest in a series of delays, comes eight years after the Brexit vote, with Britain still working to establish comprehensive import checks. Initial checks on meat, fish, cheese, and other products commenced in April.

The extended delay, now suggested to last until July 1, 2025, follows previous delays postponing checks to January 31, 2025. Defra, the UK's environment department, has yet to comment on the matter. The additional requirements could add 200 million pounds in costs for the fruit and vegetable sector, potentially increasing grocery bills for British consumers, who rely on imports for 80% of their fruit and 50% of their vegetables.

(With inputs from agencies.)