In a move branded by Nigel Jenney , Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium ( FPC ) , as a " thinly veiled tax on the industry , " the UK regime has apply new Common User Charges ( CUCs ) that jeopardize to cripple small and medium - sized enterprises ( SMEs ) in the invigorated produce and plant sector . The charge , introduce as part of post - Brexit border controls , are set to add trillion in extra costs to the industry , while unnecessarily repel up price for kinfolk .
Industry experts promise this will contribute £ 200 million in costs across the unfermented produce supplying chain , a crippling bump to a sector already grappling with unprecedented challenge .
" This is simply not a accomplishable cost for our extremity , " declare Jenney with fierce urging . " These unconscionable charge imposed by our own governance represent a direct tax on clientele . It ’s a move that will undoubtedly shatter supply concatenation self-confidence and is already encourage EU exporters[1 ] to reconsider their commitment to cater the UK market " .
The government has attempt to minimize the impingement , asserting that consumers will see a negligible increase in damage . However , importers and retailers warn of cascading hold , to-do , and spiral costs that will ineluctably be passed on to intemperately compress shoppers .
" The CUC organization is peculiarly crushing for SMEs , " explained Jenney . " While fees are now cap , they remain substantial – £ 145 for every consignment arrive in the UK via the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel . This might not seem like much , but with only a small number of consignments in reality inspected , the cost per review balloons to a ludicrous £ 5k . "
( 100 commitment x 145 = £ 14,500 @ 3 % strong-arm inspection level this equates to £ 4,833 per forcible inspection ) . This also exclude several additional fees levied by the UK Government . In summation , this compares to a commercial-grade control point fee of unremarkably less than £ 100 per loading chargeable only when a physical inspection is necessitate .
" We have for old age promoted alternative industriousness managed result which tender far more effective service for the welfare of both industriousness and consumers alike , " continued Jenney . " However , the borrowing and development of assured operator status allow responsible companies to manage their own inspections has still to commence . "
" Ultimately , it ’s essential the UK remains a destination of alternative for international exporters to congratulate our wondrous homegrown refreshed garden truck and to offer the option and handiness we all need . The Government ’s poorly considered border result couch this in severe jeopardy or , at best , drive avoidable nutrient splashiness . "
For more selective information : Fresh Produce ConsortiumMinerva House , Minerva Business ParkLynch Wood , Peterborough PE2 6FTTel . : +44 01733 237117Email:[email protect ]
