East Midlands Chamber has called for simplification of international import rules, following news the government have postponed checks on some fruit and vegetables entering the UK by six months.
Physical checks on ‘medium risk’ items entering the UK from the European Union were due to be in place from 1st January but the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have announced the date is to be pushed back to 1st July 2025.
East Midlands Chamber Director of Partnerships David Pearson said: “While deferring the date of so-called ‘medium risk’ fruit and veg border checks coming in will temporarily ease some of the burden on businesses already grappling with the reams of paperwork needed to trade internationally, importing goods remains a challenge. There are costs associated with importing most goods to the UK and the time taken to fill in forms is a hindrance to businesses.
“Reforming International Trade is one of the key asks of the Chamber’s Manifesto for Growth and for the East Midlands to thrive, it’s essential that the new government prioritise lifting the many barriers that complicate import and export. With the upcoming Autumn Budget, the new government has an opportunity to support businesses that trade internationally, simplifying things like guidance on rules of origin and I urge them to seize those opportunities.”
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