FDF calls for complete overhaul of border checks and a digital approach

The UK government has postponed the imposition of border checks for food and drink products imported into the UK no less than four times since it left the EU. The latest announcement was a decision not to introduce checks until the end of 2023. In response, industry organisation FDF has called for a full digital overhaul of the process, scrapping all paper documents currently required.

A substantial simplification of government bodies involved is necessary, they argue, along with a total rethink of currently excessive sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

A risk-based approach makes more sense, the FDF suggests, with trusted businesses removed from customs requirements. The UK government should ‘strike a balance in its domestic regulatory regime between ensuring it has high standards that protect consumers and the simplest possible regime for moving food and drink in and out of the UK market.’

The net result would be a dramatic increase in trade efficiency, particularly in high volume UK/EU routes, they say.