New Brexit border checks could stifle fine food imports from EU, warn sellers
– Panzer’s delicatessen in north west London has lost 37 suppliers from the European Union since Britain left the bloc’s single market in 2021.
– EU exporters of chilled and frozen meat, fish, cheese, dairy products, and some cut flowers have had to present health certificates signed off by a vet or plant inspector since Jan. 31.
– The start of physical checks, along with higher charges from April 30, will restrict the variety and freshness of fine artisan foods and prices will rise.
– The government says the new checks will help prevent diseases and pests entering Britain and level the playing field for British exporters.
– Delicatessen owner Josephs believes Brexit has been a disaster for his business and fears supply disruption.
– Importing costs have increased significantly since Brexit, with additional fees and charges impacting profit margins.
– The UK government estimates that its border rules will increase costs for importers collectively by 330 million pounds a year and increase food inflation by just 0.2 per cent over three years.