Fresh produce could face hold ups at source as European authorities clamp down on freight security and demand to know the contents of containers well in advance.
New European Commission legislation could see exporters into the EU having to give several days notice in declaring the contents of cargo - a major problem in dealing with perishables.
The Import Control System comes in on 1 January 2011 and will be used in addition to the existing PEACH and CHIEF systems.
The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) is confirming with HMRC whether the automated system brought in “for safety reasons” will definitely affect produce.
The news comes as home secretary Theresa May announced the government is to review airfreight security following the discovery of a bomb in a package from Yemen at East Midlands Airport last week.
Secretary of state for transport, Philip Hammond was due to meet with freight industry leaders as FPJ went to press.
But the produce trade has shrugged off fears over delays. FPC chief executive Nigel Jenney said: “Sophisticated x-ray technology now means produce can go through security very quickly. It is a question of balance between the need to ensure safety and not being invasive or disrupting free trade.”
On the issue of security, Perishable Movements Ltd md Mike Parr said it is as tight as it can be in the UK and the known consignor system as well as the proliferation of x-ray machines has increased accountability.
“If terrorists want to get something on a plane they are going to get it on,” he added. “We can be as strict as we want in developed countries, but if you bring in cargo from developing countries anything can happen.”
A Freight Transport Association spokesman said: “The air cargo industry invests millions every year in ensuring its screening methods are of the highest standard. Industry will be engaging with ministers to ensure the correct measures are in place.”
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