Three years after exiting the EU single market, the United Kingdom has entered a new phase of border operational model, introducing physical checks for fresh food products from the European Union, Reuters reports. The second stage of the operation began on Tuesday, including checks on products of animal and plant origin such as meat, fish, cheese, and dairy products.
New measures, including visual inspections and temperature measurements of goods, are being taken to prevent the entry of diseases and pests into the country. The government emphasizes that these checks also level the playing field for British exporters.
However, smaller retailers and wholesalers express concern over possible delays and disruptions in supplies, which could lead to a reduction in assortment, decreased availability of fresh produce, and higher prices for consumers.
The government claims to apply a “pragmatic approach” to the checks, but British lawmakers demand clarity regarding the frequency of inspections, noting that businesses remain in the dark.
Government estimates suggest that the new border rules could lead to increased costs for importers of up to £330 million per year, while food inflation is expected to rise by just 0.2% over three years.
