Post-Brexit Border Checks and the UK’s Flower Trade
The aftermath of the UK’s exit from the European Union promises to bring significant alterations to the trade landscape, particularly on the flower front. The introduction of new border checks, as part of the wider changes in trade rules following Brexit, has led to a growing sense of apprehension amongst those involved in the flower industry. Importers, retailers and florists are anxious about increased costs, probable delays, and the looming risk of disruptions in the supply chain. This information comes directly from our trusted news sources at Reader Wall.
The Underlying Concerns of Border Checks
The introduction of these new border inspections deals with a wide variety of popular flowers. The primary goal of these checks is to ensure that all imported flora conforms to the UK’s standards of agricultural and biosecurity. Nevertheless, these additional paperwork and inspections are expected to bring about an increase in logistical difficulties. Importers of flowers, as well as fruits and vegetables, have expressed their concerns and requested the government to postpone these controls and provide clearer details on the processing aspects.
Effects on the Horticulture Sector
Within the epicentre of this upheaval lies the horticulture industry, which is heavily dependent on the import of young plants, flower seeds, and other EU-derived products. The falloff of the 999L waiver and the transfer of control from the industry to border control points add another level of risk to their intricately managed, bio-secure supply chain. This unprecedented change in the trade landscape could result in severe delays and potential damage to plants, severely affecting the operations of this industry.
Emergence of The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM)
The uncertainty is further compounded by the application of the Border Target Operating Model (also known as BTOM), the first phase of which should be operational by January. Under this model, physical inspections on medium-risk animal products, and select plant and plant-based products originating from EU countries, are set to commence by April 30. While this key development has been largely recognized as essential to the UK’s post-Brexit trade mechanisms, there are existing concerns about potential transitional issues. The continually changing post-Brexit economic conditions continue to pose considerable challenges to various sectors, compelling them to adapt and innovate in order to keep pace.
