Post-Brexit border checks have now started despite warnings the disruption will “increase food prices.”
The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) is going to “increase food prices and reduce consumer choice,” food suppliers have warned.
Animal and plant products from the EU that are “medium risk” will cause more detailed checks of documentation, physical and identity checks leading to longer waiting times at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.
Om top of this importers will now have to pay up to £145 for such items to enter the UK which covers the costs of operating the border.
Cabinet Office minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe said, “It is essential that we introduce these global, risk-based checks to improve the UK’s biosecurity.
“We cannot continue with temporary measures which leave the UK open to threats from diseases and could do considerable damage to our livelihoods, our economy and our farming industry.
“We have listened to all parts of industry every step of the way and will continue to support them to implement these changes as smoothly as possible.”
chief executive Phil Pluck, of the Cold Chain Federation has urged the government to delay the BTOM checks as it is a “broken model.”
He added, “Without listening to the experts, the Government will seriously damage business confidence in the UK and add costs to consumers’ weekly shop.”
