The UK’s newly announced import charges are stirring industry concerns.
- Starting 30 April, new charges for animal and plant imports will be implemented.
- These fees impact small businesses and logistics with significant costs.
- Industry voices claim the government ignored their feedback on these charges.
- Food prices and consumer choice are expected to be adversely affected.
The UK government has revealed a new charging structure for importing certain goods from the EU, scheduled to commence on 30 April. This move introduces a common user charge, impacting commercial movements of animal products, plants, and related goods through the Port of Dover and the Eurotunnel. The charges vary by product risk level, with medium and high-risk animal products incurring a £29 fee and low-risk products set at £10.
Industry representatives from Logistics UK have expressed alarm over these charges, citing concerns over the burden they will place on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as groupage operators. According to Nichola Mallon, head of trade at Logistics UK, there is ambiguity surrounding the detailed implementation and compliance mechanisms of these new fees, despite longstanding requests for clarity since the Brexit vote. Mallon highlighted the unsustainable financial pressure these costs will impose, potentially leading to increased consumer prices.
Despite significant feedback from operators—81% of businesses responding to a government consultation warned of detrimental impacts—the charges are set to proceed. The sector has urged the government to publish its impact assessments, particularly regarding food price inflation, which is currently projected by the government to augment by only 0.2% over three years, a figure disputed by industry analysts.
Adding to the chorus of critique, the Cold Chain Federation accused the government of a lackadaisical approach, highlighting the negative repercussions for food prices and market choices. Phil Pluck, the federation’s chief executive, asserted that these costs would be inevitably transferred to EU exporters, UK retailers, or consumers, potentially discouraging EU-UK trade in food and plant products.
The government’s unilateral action on import charges, amid industry opposition, foreshadows increased costs and challenges for UK importers.
