URGENT CLARIFICATION OF EU FRUIT & VEG BORDER EASEMENT

URGENT CLARIFICATION OF EU FRUIT & VEG BORDER EASEMENT

Important update from Nigel Jenney, CEO of FPC:

The government legislative timetable has been disrupted by the recent election, and as a result we are unclear and requesting urgent clarification from the new government to confirm the intended implementation date for EU fruit and vegetable border checks.

Currently the easement is only approved in legislation until 31 October 24 but is notified on the Defra Plant Health Portal as 31 January 25. The situation is further compounded by the recent Government feedback request to extend the transitional staging period (TSP) until 1 July 2025.

However, following discussions with Defra, we now understand any extension of the TSP timetable would not extend the easement for medium risk fruit & veg items from the EU.

We are therefore seeking to resolve the confusion and remind Government of the ongoing consultation to potentially reduce the products currently included in Medium risk categories from the EU.

If approved in the future this would significantly reduce the products impacted at the border.

The timing of any change is critical to allow businesses to prepare and importantly based on the consultation several products could be excluded from future border controls.

On this basis it is essential the sector is urgently advised a definitive easement date and the outcome of the medium risk consultation.

We have proposed a solution to Government covering several areas of concern but please review the supporting information via the links below for further detail.

Please note: FPC will cover the above as a key agenda item at our forthcoming Technical meeting taking place 13th August. Should you wish to attend please contact nicola@freshproduce.org.uk for an invitation.

NB:Previous attendees will automatically receive an invitation link.

In the meantime please contact the team for advice or feedback via info@freshproduce.org.uk