The Fresh Produce Consortium has set up an importers' working party to discuss the ramifications of a new ruling which will see more rigorous enforcement of EU marketing standards for fresh produce.

One area of concern for importers in the new regulation, 1148/2001, is the requirement for produce from third countries to be checked for conformity before it is cleared through customs.

The working party is therefore looking into accrediting third country inspection facilities. It is already in dialogue with officials at Defra to this end and to explore other ways in which the new requirements can be met most cost effectively and without holding up fresh produce distribution through the supply chain.

The working party is also talking to HM Customs. 'The requirements of the new regulations are linked to HM Customs formalities,' said FPC chief executive Doug Henderson. 'Discussions will be held with HM Customs to ensure that any alterations to the procedures at the point of arrival that may be made do not cause delays or inconvenience in clearing arrivals.' Meanwhile, the FPC has also been active this past week on packaging waste. Representatives for the FPC and the Environment Agency met on November 23 to discuss proposals on the treatment of ownership of goods on consignment. Following a recent HM Customs ruling on VAT, importers no longer have to take ownership of goods at the point of import to avoid not charging VAT on commission. The EA is still considering the acceptability of FPC proposals.