04 Nov 2024
Time to let out a weary sigh, as fresh produce transportation is set to face new and significant challenges in 2025 thanks to another batch of Brexit-related regulations. Fresh produce importers are going to have to adjust to these new challenges of Brexit, which have the potential to disrupt supply chains and increase costs. Let’s look closer at these new regulations and how they’ll affect fresh produce transportation.
Physical Inspections At Border Control Posts
From April 2025, physical inspections of medium-risk fresh produce, such as apples and tomatoes, will begin at UK Border Control Posts (BCPs). This added scrutiny aims to protect plant health but could delay shipments and affect the shelf life of perishable goods.
Fresh produce transportation relies on speed to maintain product freshness. Delays caused by inspections could mean goods reach supermarket shelves with reduced shelf life, leading to potential losses for fresh produce importers and retailers alike. These inspections create a new layer of complexity for businesses that need fast, reliable transport of perishable items.
Phytosanitary Certificates
In addition to physical inspections, medium-risk fruits and vegetables will now require Phytosanitary Certificates to verify they meet UK plant health standards. This new requirement is one of the latest challenges of Brexit and adds to the administrative workload for importers, who will need to ensure their goods are fully compliant before shipping.
The process of obtaining Phytosanitary Certificates could also slow down shipments, particularly for fresh produce importers who deal with large volumes of products. These delays will impact fresh produce transportation timelines, further complicating efforts to keep goods fresh during transit.
Rising Costs For Fresh Produce Importers
These new regulations are expected to increase the cost to fresh produce importers by £200 million annually. The extra costs stem from more paperwork, inspections, and compliance measures, all of which are likely to be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices in supermarkets.
Fresh produce transportation is already a cost-sensitive business. Adding further expenses through Brexit regulations may strain importers’ budgets, pushing up retail prices and potentially limiting the availability of popular fruits and vegetables.
Supply Chain Delays
All this additional paperwork and physical inspections are expected to cause delays at the UK border. For fresh produce transportation, these delays can significantly disrupt the supply chain, as perishable goods need to move quickly to remain saleable.
Compounding the issue is the lack of temperature-controlled storage at many Border Control Posts. This could result in spoilage for refrigerated items, adding further risk to fresh produce importers and increasing the likelihood of losses.
Impact On Fresh Produce Availability
Ultimately, the combined impact of increased costs, administrative burdens and border delays may reduce the availability of fresh produce in the UK. Smaller importers may struggle to stay competitive, while larger companies will have to deal with fluctuating supplies as the challenges of Brexit disrupt supply chains.
K Charles Haulage is here to help you navigate these complex changes with reliable, efficient transportation solutions for your fresh produce. Contact us today for a free quote and ensure your goods arrive on time, every time!
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