The obstacles posed by Brexit to “seamless trade”
The UK government’s repeated objections to food and drink imports from the EU have been covered by New Food recently.
The UK government stated in August 2023 that it would be delaying food import inspections for a fifth time, with plans to resume in January 2024. The government justified this decision by saying it allowed businesses “more time to prepare after engagement with industry.”
The industry was divided on this issue; some, like Shane Brennan, Executive of the Cold Chain Federation (CCF), felt that the delays were advantageous. He reasoned that “these Brexit checks will fuel food price inflation whenever they are brought in and so the longer they are held off the better.”
Delaying the implementation of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) has its benefits, but there are drawbacks as well, according to Rupert Ashby, CEO of the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), who spoke with New Food.
“The fundamental problem is that, although we left the EU with the promise of unhindered trade with Europe, the present situation significantly falls short of that promise, and the ongoing delays in enforcing the regulations are adding needless stress and expense to our members,” stated Ashby.
Rebuilding trade relations after Brexit
Ashby continued by saying that he thinks the BTOM will be “a positive step towards stabilising post-Brexit trade relations” once it is put into effect. The “frozen food industry is looking forward to capitalizing on more efficient trade relationships,” he actually noted.
Assuring that the environment is “better protected and food is delivered that is safe to eat, whilst maintaining security of supply for consumers” is what the BFFF believes food import checks will accomplish. The BTOM’s eventual implementation, Ashby continued, “will introduce an entire new layer of complexity, delays, and increased costs for our members and trade partners, upon whom we heavily depend for our food supply.”
Ashby went on, “Moreover, it might discourage some EU exporters from serving the UK market, favoring markets with fewer trade barriers.”
Arrangements are the key to the solution.
With an eye toward January 2024, Ashby stated that “smooth functionality of this critical aspect of our economy” is imperative moving forward.
“Without having to re-enter the EU, we have continuously emphasized a simple way to restore the effectiveness and affordability of our two-way food trade. The creation of a Common Veterinary Agreement, which would formalize the UK’s adherence to the food standards it currently maintains for trade with the EU, is the answer, according to Ashby.
As Ashby notes, the postponements have given businesses time to plan and adjust, but they have also brought costs and uncertainty, highlighting the necessity of a comprehensive and stable trade framework.
It is becoming more and more important for the UK government to guarantee the security and caliber of food imported while promoting more seamless trade relations as the new implementation date of January 2024 draws near. The choices made during this crucial time could have a big impact, especially on the food industry.