New Brexit import rules spark fears of food and flower shortages

New Brexit import checks starting April 30th will lead to shortages of some foods, flowers, and herbs due to extra fees and paperwork causing smaller EU exporters to stop supplying the UK market.

Industry leaders estimate the new requirements will add £1 billion to the cost of importing chilled food and plants.

Some EU suppliers have already decided the new red tape makes trading with the UK too complicated and are looking at other markets instead.

The new common user charge of up to £145 per shipment will bring in an estimated £60 million profit for the government.

Importers warn the overnight nature of fresh food imports has not been recognized, with no border inspectors available out of hours, forcing them to use the inland Sevington site in Kent.