Peter Hardwick BBC interview explains the issues with new food import charges

Following our press release on the new and (for some importers) unexpectedly large port charges, BMPA’s Trade Policy Advisor was interviewed by BBC Farming Today. It’s a good interview that highlights an expensive barrier to trade that doesn’t need to exist. He explained why some importers, particularly smaller companies bringing in multiple products in multiple consignments, are bearing the brunt of the Common User Charge (to pay for new border infrastructure) and Port Health Charges (to pay for largely automated document checks).

A common argument for the new Border Target Operating Model is to safeguard Britain’s biosecurity by checking goods coming in from Europe. Peter questions whether the 2% target for random checks would enough to achieve this anyway. He points out that, prior to Brexit, goods flowed to and from the EU freely with no checks, because we all followed the same rules. Even now we’re outside the EU, we still follow those rules so we can trade with the bloc.

One last thought not yet discussed. If the BTOM continues to roll out as planned, all eyes will soon turn to what this will mean for meat imports from the Republic of Ireland. Currently such port charges and checks are not being implemented. Irish exporters must still complete Export Health Certificates and pre-notification but the ‘full fat’ border system it is thought won’t start until Spring next year, although it hasn’t been made clear exactly when.

Listen from 8:52 minutes