Long-awaited benefits for importers and agents from simplifying procedures for importing fresh produce and cut flowers will be realised when the Automatic Licence Verification system is implemented fully on February 16 - estimated to save the industry around £1 million each year.
The Fresh Produce Consortium has called for these simplified and improved procedures for more than two years and was instrumental in driving forward the initial pilot. Chief executive Nigel Jenney said: “We would like to thank our members who have been involved in the pilot, and who provided vital feedback through their participation. We would encourage other companies to get on board with DEFRA’s final briefings early in the New Year, so that they are ready to take advantage of the improvements.”
This is the final element of a long-term strategy bringing together work to develop PEACH, eDomero and CHIEF.
