EU imports: government must find solution

Business leaders in Birmingham called on the Government to find a long-term solution in regards to rules for trade in animal and plant products entering the UK from the European Union.

This comes in light of the Government 's decision to abandon the introduction of extra post-Brexit border checks on food and plants entering the UK from the EU.

Instead, the Brexit Opportunities Minister plans to digitise all checks and paperwork at the border for ever in the face of the cost of living crisis.

Jacob Ress-Mogg delayed the next wave of important checks for a fourth time, risking the wrath of ports which have spent millions building new facilities to inspect goods.

New import controls were due to begin in July, starting with requirements for animal products for human consumption, germinal products and animal by-products not for human consumption.

The Government said “it would be wrong to impose new administrative burdens and risk disruption at ports ” at a time of higher costs due to the war in Ukraine and rising energy prices.

Raj Kandola (pictured), head of policy and strategic relationships at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), said: “It is good to see the government recognise the difficulties that firms are currently facing and act in a practical manner to alleviate some of these severely elevated cost pressures.

“However, the Government can only delay these checks for so long without getting to the heart of the issue, which means revisiting the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement to deliver long term trading solutions which suit both parties.

“I would strongly encourage businesses to visit our Brexit Hub, where they can find more detailed information and support to help them navigate the post-Brexit trading landscape. ”

Visit the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce 's Brexit Hub.