£200m Win for UK Consumers as Fresh Produce Avoids Brexit Border Chaos

FPC Secures Lifeline for UK Food Supply by Delaying EU SPS Checks Until 2027

The UK Government has confirmed that planned post-Brexit border checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU will now be delayed until 31 January 2027 – a victory secured solely by the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) after years of lobbying and media pressure.

The move spares the industry from 700k consignments annually subject to UK SPS ( (sanitary & phytosanitary) border controls and avoids an eye-watering £200 million in added costs – savings that will directly benefit UK consumers already struggling with the cost of living.

“This is a unique and sector-specific exemption, and one we’ve fought long and hard to achieve,” said Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC). “We’re proud to have secured a common-sense solution that protects our diverse and critical industry – from supermarket supply chains to the thousands of SMEs in wholesale and foodservice.”

Without this reprieve, the fresh produce industry would have faced significant operational upheaval and extra costs due to new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks due to begin on 1 July 2025 under the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).

Instead, the Government has extended the current easement to align with the end of the UK’s Transitional Staging Period (TSP). The delay also allows breathing room while the UK and EU negotiate a new SPS agreement – a process widely expected to take months, if not years.

Crucially, this means that fruit and vegetables will also remain exempt from the Common User Charge (CUC) when entering via the Port of Dover and the Eurotunnel – a huge benefit for importers using these major entry points.

Jenney added: “We thank our members for their backing – especially those who took a public stance or lobbied Ministers directly. This exemption is their win too.”

What’s Next for the Industry?

While fresh fruit and vegetables have been granted relief, other sectors – including meat, dairy, fish, plants and flowers – remain subject to full border checks. FPC is now calling on the Government to:

• Deploy out-of-hours inspectors at plant and flower Control Points to meet 24/7 trade needs

• Fast-track Authorised Operator status for trusted businesses

• Review inconsistencies between the treatment of EU and non-EU imports, particularly for fresh produce such as citrus

“The Government must ensure that policy resets don’t penalise imports from the rest of the world,” said Jenney. “We remain committed to working in partnership to unlock the full potential of UK horticulture and protect national food security.”

Join the Voice of the Industry

The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) is the UK’s leading trade association for the fresh produce and cut flower industries. This landmark win demonstrates the power of collective action.

Not yet a member? Now is the time to join the organisation that delivers real results for your business and for the future of the UK’s food supply. Visit https://freshproduce.org.uk/ to learn more.