British food and flower producers say they have wasted millions of pounds preparing for post-Brexit import checks that may now never be implemented, following the UK government’s sudden decision to delay the planned rollout of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls on EU agri-food imports.
The sector had been working toward a July 2025 deadline for the introduction of full checks on animal and plant products coming from the European Union. But the government’s recent trade “reset” with Brussels — part of a broader push to reduce border friction and food inflation — has left businesses in limbo and prompted frustration over shifting regulatory timelines.
“The industry cannot prepare because it doesn’t have adequate information on time and has no confidence in the UK government because they say one thing and do another,” said Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, which represents suppliers of fruit, vegetables and flowers.
“We’ve already shown commitment. We’ve invested huge amounts of money — millions of pounds — in building infrastructure in good faith at our own cost to allow goods to be inspected.”
Just two weeks before the policy shift, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) told businesses that an authorised operator scheme — which would allow trusted companies to conduct their own inspections — was “imminent.” Many firms had already invested heavily in training, facilities and systems to meet the anticipated requirements.
“With what the government has just done, the writing is on the wall,” said Mike Parr, CEO of PML Seafrigo, a logistics provider specialising in cold supply chains. His company spent over £7 million building a dedicated customs facility for post-Brexit import checks — an investment now likely to be written off.
“We spent all that money training our guys in the process, and it’s going to be of no use now.”
The uncertainty over SPS checks comes at a critical moment in the global supply chain calendar, with the southern hemisphere citrus season just getting underway. Many non-EU imports, including citrus, are subject to rigorous checks under EU rules, but not in the UK — raising broader questions about the UK’s future food safety regime.
“We don’t know when these regulations will come into force,” Jenney said. “We’re just starting the citrus season and there is zero clarity.”
The episode reflects the wider economic toll of Brexit red tape on UK food and agriculture. According to the Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy, British exports to the EU have dropped 16% since Brexit, with customs delays, regulatory divergence and red tape cited as key barriers.
“Trade with the EU is incredibly important to UK food and drink manufacturers,” said Karen Betts, the Federation’s chief executive. “Europe is our single biggest customer, and most of the food and drink we import — from ingredients to finished products — comes from Europe, too.”
“Trade in both directions has become complex and challenging. UK food and drink exports to Europe have fallen by a third since 2019, and businesses continue to face challenges and delays with imports.”
Betts called on the government to improve communication and industry engagement, and to work to influence EU regulations in areas where the UK remains aligned.
“The government must work closely with industry on the detail and ensure the UK is able to influence EU decision-making where this impacts British businesses and competitiveness,” she added.
The government insists the recent delay to SPS checks is part of an effort to reduce costs for consumers, tackle inflation and prevent unnecessary red tape.
“The aim is to prevent unnecessary border checks, remove red tape for businesses and help tackle the cost of food,” a government spokesperson said.
But for many in the industry, the latest delay is less about cutting costs and more about regulatory whiplash. Businesses are left with sunk costs, stalled investment plans and growing doubts over the credibility of UK trade policy.
With logistics firms, port authorities, and agri-food businesses now waiting for clarity on whether any of the promised border checks will ever materialise, the episode is a stark reminder that post-Brexit policy continues to be as politically charged as it is operationally complex. And for those who have already invested millions in compliance — only to be left in the dark — patience is running out.
