UK food supply chains at risk from upcoming Brexit deadline
Cliff edge beckons for food importers to UK, as 39% of European businesses not even aware of major rule change coming on 31st October 2023
After 31st October 2023, importers of fish, meat and dairy will have to comply with a new inspection regime from the EU into the UK, but 39% of European-based food producing businesses in a survey are not aware of this and 41% do not have any plan in place to meet the requirements.
Under the upcoming rules, the above products will need to be assessed when classified as ‘medium risk’ and acquire an export health certificate.
The survey, conducted by the Cold Chain Federation, uncovered that rising costs are likely to be the outcome, adding more misery to UK consumers already facing high inflation and rising costs as a result of interest rate increases. Seventy-eight percent of respondents expect to charge more for UK-based customers, while 10% plan to do less business in the UK, 7% expect to halt exporting entirely and 22% are unsure of their plans.
“Communications from the UK Government to these businesses has not been good enough,” said Shane Brennan, Chief Executive of the Cold Chain Federation, “and it is the food retailers, hospitality businesses and consumers here in the UK who will pay the price with disruption, delays, and losses.”
The Cold Chain Federation has written to the UK government to ask for an extension to current set-up until the end of 2023.