The UK government has decided to postpone the implementation of post-Brexit sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) border checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the European Union until 31 January 2027. This move comes after persistent lobbying and public pressure from the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC).
The delay will exempt around 700,000 consignments annually from SPS checks under the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), which was initially set to begin on 1 July 2025. This change is expected to save approximately £200 million in additional annual costs across the supply chain, providing cost relief to consumers.
According to the FPC, the exemption is sector-specific and aims to maintain stability within the UK fresh produce industry. This includes supermarket supply chains, wholesalers, and foodservice providers. Without the delay, businesses would have faced operational challenges and increased compliance costs.
The government’s decision to extend the exemption aligns with the end of the UK’s Transitional Staging Period (TSP). It also provides time for the UK and the EU to continue negotiations toward a new SPS agreement, although no specific timeline has been confirmed.
Additionally, fruit and vegetables will remain exempt from the Common User Charge (CUC) at key entry points, including the Port of Dover and the Eurotunnel. This exemption is expected to reduce logistical burdens for importers using these routes.
Looking ahead, the FPC is urging the government to ensure the availability of out-of-hours inspectors at control points handling plants and flowers. It is also calling for the expedited Authorised Operator status process for trusted businesses and a review of the regulatory differences between EU and non-EU imports, especially for fresh produce such as citrus.
While fresh fruit and vegetables are temporarily exempt from the new SPS rules, other sectors, including meat, dairy, fish, plants, and flowers, remain subject to full checks under current regulations.
