Britain Delays Post-Brexit Checks on EU Fruit and Vegetables

Britain delays post-Brexit physical checks on 'medium risk' fruit and vegetables from the EU by six months, pushing the implementation date to July 1, 2025. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs states this move allows new ministers time to review and listen to businesses. Additional certification and physical checks have already increased industry costs.

Britain has announced a six-month delay in implementing post-Brexit physical checks on 'medium risk' fruit and vegetables from the European Union, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Initially set for January 2025, the checks will now start on July 1, 2025. The postponement allows new Labour government ministers time to review the implementation plan and gather feedback from businesses. To date, additional certification has already been required, and physical checks for products like chilled meat, fish, and dairy have been introduced.

These new checks, projected to cost the industry 200 million pounds, have sparked warnings of higher consumer prices. However, certain commodity groups like apples and pears will be downgraded to 'low risk,' facilitating their movement into Britain.

(With inputs from agencies.)