FPC Sounds Alarm as Government Evades Critical Questions on Plant Health Border Checks

A high-stakes parliamentary session yesterday (6 May) has left the UK’s fresh produce sector increasingly alarmed, after Baroness Hayman appeared to sidestep crucial questions surrounding the imminent introduction of Medium Risk A & B plant health controls.

With just weeks remaining before the anticipated 1 July implementation date, industry representatives — led by the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) — are urgently seeking clarity on a raft of unresolved issues that threaten to upend established import routines.

But during her appearance before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee, Baroness Hayman gave responses that many in the sector have described as vague, lacking the detail needed to protect supply chain continuity.

FPC Chief Executive Nigel Jenney voiced his frustration: “None of these questions are new. We’ve been asking for months. Time is running out, and the industry cannot afford further ambiguity.”

Among the many unresolved points raised by the FPC were:

• Confirmation Of 1 July Deadline – Industry still does not know whether the easement for Medium Risk A & B fresh produce will officially end on 1 July. The question was left unanswered during the session, deepening confusion for importers making time-sensitive preparations.

• Border Control Post (BCP) Readiness – The Government gave no firm assurances about whether key BCPs such as Sevington are equipped — either in infrastructure or staffing — to manage the projected surge in EU arrivals.

• Extended Inspection Hours – Businesses reliant on flexible, round-the-clock logistics continue to push for confirmation of “out of hours” inspection services. Yesterday’s session failed to provide a clear commitment.

• Authorised Operator Status Scheme – Clarity is still lacking around the rollout of this scheme, which could play a vital role in reducing border friction for compliant importers.

• Product Classification – No definitive list has yet been published outlining which fruits and vegetables will fall under Medium Risk A & B categories, despite persistent requests from the FPC.

• Readiness Of EU NPPOs And UK Systems – Fears remain that neither the UK nor EU plant health authorities are equipped to manage the increased paperwork and inspection volumes, especially for groupage and mixed consignments — a staple of the perishable trade.

• Performance Issues At BCPs – Sevington was singled out again for inefficiencies, yet no improvement strategy was outlined in the hearing.

• Unconfirmed Common User Charges For 2025/26 – The lack of fee transparency is making financial planning nearly impossible for importers already facing economic pressure.

• No Commitment to Direct Engagement – Despite repeated requests, Defra has not committed to a face-to-face meeting with industry bodies to iron out these concerns.

  
  

The FPC, which represents the UK’s fruit, vegetable and cut flower sectors, is calling for immediate dialogue with Defra and relevant agencies to prevent widespread disruption.

In the absence of answers, confidence in the Government’s management of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) continues to erode.

The FPC warns that unless a detailed and transparent roadmap is urgently communicated, the UK’s fresh produce supply chain faces severe delays and potential shortages from July.

The FPC also extends its thanks to the EFRA Committee for robustly putting forward these vital questions to Baroness Hayman on behalf of the industry.