The government will scrap border checks on fruit and veg imported from the European Union, in an early move to ease trade, ahead of its new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal with the EU.
The easement of import checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU was due to end on 1 July this year.
However, following concerted lobbying from the haulage, logistics and food retail sectors, DEFRA has now extended the deadline to 31 January 2027.
This means that, in the short term, businesses can continue importing medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU without the products being subject to import checks or being charged associated fees.
This latest move to ease border restrictions follows the government’s announcement that it will agree a new SPS deal with the EU.
The easement was originally introduced as a temporary measure to provide businesses time to prepare for their implementation, and ensure a smooth flow of essential goods across the UK border.
The change means that checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables, including tomatoes, grapes, plums, cherries, peaches, peppers, and more, imported from the EU will not be required – and will therefore not be brought into force this summer.
Announcing the extension today DEFRA said it will establish a UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary zone which will slash costs, ease pressure on food prices and eliminae routine SPS border checks for food exports and imports.
DEFRA said the SPS agreement will make food trade with the UK’s biggest market cheaper and easier, cutting excessive red tape and fees for traders exporting to and importing from the EU, strengthening supply chains and reducing prices for businesses and consumers.
Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said: “This government’s EU deal will make food cheaper, slash bureaucracy and remove cumbersome border controls for businesses.
“A strengthened, forward-looking partnership with the European Union will deliver for working people as part of our Plan for Change.”
The details of the SPS agreement are now to be negotiated, meanwhile traders must continue to comply with the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).
