Government must reconsider costly import charges – Chamber

Business leaders today urged the government to reconsider its new charge on animal and plant product imports into the UK.

The new fee, known as the "common user charge", is set to be introduced from 30 April and will apply to animal products, plants and plant products entering the UK from the EU.

Small imports of products such as fish, salami, sausage, cheese and yoghurt will be subject to fees of up to £145, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

But business leaders say the new charge is “a hammer blow” to small and medium sized importers – and warned it could lead to higher food prices for consumers.

Emily Stubbs (pictured), senior policy and projects manager at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “This decision is extremely disappointing and will ultimately lead to an increase in business costs and food prices.

“The new charge will come as a hammer blow for small and medium sized importers, as well as being deeply concerning for retailers, cafes and restaurants.  

“As the clock ticks to 30 April when these charges will come into force, we would urge the Government to reconsider their import charge plans.

“Failing to do so risks higher prices for us all, at a time when we should be bearing down on business costs and food price inflation.”