BRITAIN STARTS PHYSICAL CHECKS ON FRESH FOOD IMPORTS FROM THE EU – First phase of new Border Target Operating Model came into force on Jan. 31
Britain launched physical checks on fresh food products imported from the European Union some three years after it left the bloc’s single market and eight years after it voted to leave the EU.
While Britain’s major supermarkets and large EU exporting businesses have greater resources to handle the paperwork and new demands, smaller retailers and wholesalers have warned of delays and disruption and said consumers should expect a reduced variety of quality goods, less fresh produce, and higher prices.
The first phase of Britain’s so-called new Border Target Operating Model, requiring additional certification, came into force on Jan. 31.
A second phase kicked off on Tuesday introducing physical checks at ports for so-called “medium risk” animal products, plants, and plant products, such as meat, fish, cheese, eggs, dairy products, and certain cut flowers. New charges have also been introduced.
The government says the new checks, which involve visual inspections and the temperature readings of goods, are essential to help prevent diseases and pests from entering Britain and will level the playing field for UK exporters.