New border checks on animals and plants could lead to empty supermarket shelves and small business closures in the UK, warnings have been warned.
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Details of the newly announced post-Brexit border inspection system have drawn criticism from British businesses and trade groups, who warn it could lead to soaring food prices and the closure of some small businesses. There is.
From April 30 this year, businesses importing plant and animal products from the EU via the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel will have to pay up to £145 per shipment to cover the cost of new border checks. .
The post-Brexit measures are aimed at maintaining an “effective biosecurity and public health system”, according to the UK government, which announced details of the new “Border Targeted Operating Model (BTOM)” charges on Wednesday. .
The Government will “introduce strong controls on imports from the EU, funding the operation of essential border control post (BCP) facilities to enable sanitary and phytosanitary physical inspections of imports to be carried out safely” This will impose additional costs on importers.” And definitely. ”
The maximum charge is £145 per consignment, but depending on the category, a discounted rate of £10 (€11.66) applies for 'low risk' goods, while 'medium' or 'high risk' goods. Charges apply to consignment items. The price is 29 pounds (33.81 euros).
Who will pay the price?
Around a quarter of Britain's food imports pass through Dover and the Channel Tunnel.
Industry groups have warned that the measures will raise costs, fuel soaring food prices and lead to empty supermarket shelves.
The government insisted the fee was set to recover the costs of running border checks and rejected suggestions it would lead to a significant increase in food costs.
In August last year, the government stated, “According to our model, the introduction of the new model will not have a large impact on food and beverage costs, with a total increase of less than 0.2% over three years.'' He added that he did. The economic impact of the disease could be even greater.
But there are also concerns that the economy could suffer if companies are unable to absorb the costs.
Following the announcement of the charges, Marco Forgione, director of the Institute for Export and International Trade, said that while larger companies may be able to absorb the costs, for smaller companies, “additional charges of up to £145 per parcel could hurt profits.” There is a possibility that it will disappear.” Completely out. ”
He also said increased costs and measures would change the way businesses import goods, possibly reducing the frequency of orders, “raising prices for consumers and ultimately reducing the range of products available in UK stores and restaurants.” He warned that there may be restrictions.
Mr Forgione stressed there was a real risk that the new levy could ultimately “make the UK a less attractive place to trade for small and medium-sized businesses in the EU”.
