The Food and Environment Research Agency’s (Fera) proposals to increase charges for plant health import inspections are unjustified, according to the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC).
The industry has been footing the bill for an incomplete service, resulting in delays in completion of checks and additional costs since 2005, the trade body claims.
The FPC dubbed the decision “a classic case of over-the-top EU red tape which fails to address the real risks of plant health and the practicalities of importing fresh produce and cut flowers” and urged the UK government to minimize unnecessary bureaucracy and minimise cost.
The FPC is pressing for Fera to fast track the development of the Assured Trader Scheme, which would reduce levels of inspection and administrative costs for reputable companies, recognising their consistent record of compliance and high standards.
Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the FPC, said: “The government should force the EU to see sense to adopt the Assured Trader Scheme immediately, and allow the industry to self-regulate, reducing both government and industry costs by millions of pounds.
“There should be a thorough and rigorous review of the actual level of service provided to the industry, with more reduced inspection levels reflecting the negligible risk from fresh produce. Instead Fera is proposing to increase the total annual cost of plant health import charges to nearly £2.5 million, with no additional benefits to the industry.”
In 2005 the industry had to accept temporary standard charges for an incomplete service due to limited data and lack of clarity. At that time FPC called for any excess funds which were generated through the charging scheme to be returned to the industry each year, but this did not take place.
“After years of poor performance Fera has accumulated a large financial reserve, with many physical inspections not taking place but charges being levied regardless. Based on actual physical inspection levels we estimate that the industry has funded around £5 million since the inception of charging. FPC wants the industry to be reimbursed where no inspections have taken place,” added Jenney.
Fera has stated that the increased charges are required to reflect changes in the sterling/Euro exchange rate but the FPC refutes this.
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