UK to delay start of health and safety checks on EU imports – report

The UK government has reportedly told port health authorities it will not “turn on” health and safety checks for EU imports as new post-Brexit border controls begin this month.

A presentation prepared by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) highlighted the risk of “significant disruption” if the new measures were implemented, according to the Financial Times. It made clear that the systems would not be fully ready on time.

In a move designed to avoid big delays, the government said it would ensure the rate of checks was initially “set to zero for all commodity groups”.

The border controls have already been delayed five times over fears that they could cause disruption and further fuel price inflation.

In its presentation, Defra admitted to port health authorities that “challenges” still remained within its systems for registering imports of food and animal products.

These challenges could trigger unmanageable levels of inspections, overwhelming ports, it was reported.

“There is a potential for significant disruption on day one if all commodity codes are turned on at once,” it said.

It was not made clear for how long border checks would be suspended but the presentation was said to indicate that the systems would be “progressively turned on” for different product groups.

Business organisations have repeatedly called for the introduction of the new border checks to be delayed until at least October.

The final big change will come in October, with the government requiring safety and security declarations for medium- and high-risk imports, while also introducing a single trade window, which the government says will reduce the number of forms needed for importers.

As of yet, goods coming from the island of Ireland will not require physical checks but the government has said these will be introduced at some point after 31 October this year.

A Defra spokesperson said: “As we have always said, the goods posing the highest biosecurity risk are being prioritised as we build up to full check rates and high levels of compliance.

“Taking a pragmatic approach to introducing our new border checks minimises disruption, protects our biosecurity and benefits everyone – especially traders.

“There has been extensive engagement with businesses over the past year – with our approach welcomed by several trade associations and port authorities.

“We will continue to work with and support businesses throughout this process to maintain the smooth flow of imported goods.”