UK checks make Dutch trade far from rosy

The Dutch flower-growing industry has expressed "significant concerns" about its readiness for the United Kingdom's scheduled introduction of new post-Brexit border checks and has called for a delay until 2025.

The UK government plans to implement new paperwork requirements beginning in late January for European businesses exporting animal and plant products to Britain, with further physical inspections due to start in April.

Exporters, including the Dutch Association of Wholesalers in Floricultural Products, or VGB, have expressed concern about their lack of preparedness for these rule changes, fearing potential losses and damages due to customs delays.

The VGB highlighted in a letter to the UK government that new requirements will be implemented during a crucial period for its sector, with significant trading volumes driven by Valentine's Day, Easter and Mothering Sunday.

The letter states that the stricter physical checks due in April may cause delays in product delivery and could potentially result in significant damage to plants during border inspections.

"We wish to express our concern regarding the impending introduction of phytosanitary certificates on medium-risk products, scheduled for Jan 31, 2024," VGB director Matthijs Mesken said in the letter as seen by The Guardian.

"This timing coincides with the absolute peak of the seasons, which poses challenges for our industry."

The VGB suggested Britain had "Europe's most efficient border "and recommended that the UK government postpone physical checks on plant imports until at least September 2025.

James Barnes, chair of the UK Horticultural Trades Association, said Brexit has already caused delays to imports, and he expressed concern that the situation could worsen under the new regime. "We think that the new border is a disaster waiting to happen," he said.