Shorouk Express
The checks on fresh produce were yet to be introduced and have been repeatedly delayed amid concerns about disruption they pose to supply chains.
Industry figures welcomed the move and said it was “common-sense,” pointing to earlier calculations that the checks would have led to £200 million in higher costs and resulting higher prices.
“This Government’s EU deal will make food cheaper, slash bureaucracy and remove cumbersome border controls for businesses,” Biosecurity Minister Helene Hayman said.
“A strengthened, forward-looking partnership with the European Union will deliver for working people as part of our Plan for Change.”
SPS checks on food imports including meat, fish and dairy were introduced from April 30 2024 by the Conservative government after years of delay — but checks on fresh produce are yet to go live.
A planned October 2024 date was put back by the Labour government to July this year, but this has now effectively been delayed indefinitely.
