The British border has become the most expensive and least efficient in the world since the introduction of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), say UK trade associations Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC). As a result, the fresh industry incurs an additional GBP 200 million in expenses annually.
HTA and FPC voiced significant criticism of the UK border policy during a DEFRA committee session at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs on 25 March. Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of FPC, stated there that the UK border is currently the most expensive and least efficient in the world. He claims the border policy is causing severe distress and significantly higher costs, which are ultimately passed on to British consumers. Jenney added that exporting fresh products to the United Kingdom (UK) has become nearly impossible.
Sally Cullimore, Policy Executive at HTA, argued that the current UK border policy does not work for the fresh industry. “We are astonished by how matters are being handled and deeply concerned about the lack of data being released by border experts,” she said. HTA criticised the poor communication and the lack of capacity at the border control posts.
