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Empty shelves in a supermarket in Manchester (September 2021)
Photo: Jon Super / dpa
Since Brexit, the supply of food in Great Britain has no longer been guaranteed in the usual range and quality. Shortly before the start of new controls on food imports from the EU, a British industry association is now warning of further bottlenecks. Because of the change, serious delays at the beginning of the year are likely, said the head of the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), Richard Harrow. This could cause food supply problems in January. The UK imports five times more food from the EU than it exports to the Community.
From January 1st, importers have to declare their deliveries from the EU in advance and in full to British customs. Due to difficulties in trade, the government in London initially suspended the regulation after Brexit. There have been strict controls in the other direction for a year when the UK left the EU customs union and the internal market. Since then there have been repeated problems in trade between the EU and the UK. German associations are also warning of further pressure on the already strained supply chains from the new British customs controls.
"Although the new UK regulations are being rolled out gradually, we are concerned that there is insufficient planning to ensure that the new requirements are understood by everyone in the food supply chain," said Harrow.
It is questionable whether the EU side is aware of a newly introduced system for tracking meat and vegetable products.
He fears that EU ports will also allow trucks to leave the UK without complete documentation.
There is also great uncertainty among British importers.
There are still areas that members of the industry association are not aware of.
"With only a few days left before the new rules apply, we remain concerned that January could be a busy month for our members," Harrow said.
fdi / dpa