EU Plant Exporters Halt Supplies to UK Due to Brexit Border Delays

Plant and flower exporters from Europe are cutting their supplies to the UK. The reason for this is the new, complex border checks that were put in place after Brexit. These strict rules are causing delays and higher costs, making it hard for suppliers and garden centers to continue trading as before.

Why Are EU Plant Exporters Pulling Back?

New Border Checks After Brexit

Since April 30, 2024, the UK has introduced new checks on plants and animal products coming from the EU. These checks were created to protect the UK from harmful plant and animal diseases. However, they have led to significant delivery delays, so many European plant exporters are now reducing or stopping their supplies to the UK.

Impact on Trade Relationships

Long-standing relationships between UK nurseries and their European suppliers are now in trouble. The new border rules have increased the time and money it takes to move plants from the EU to the UK, straining businesses.

The Response from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA)

Letter to the Government

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), representing garden retailers and growers, has raised concerns about these issues. They wrote a letter to Lady Hayman, the UK Minister for Borders, Biosecurity, and Plant Health, warning that the new border checks are damaging the plant trade. They also mentioned that some companies have stopped sending plants to the UK.

Specialized Transporters Leaving the UK

Some transport companies specializing in moving plants are leaving the UK market. They find the new border processes too slow, expensive, and complicated, making it impossible to do business efficiently.

EU Plant Exporters Halt Supplies to UK Due to Brexit Border Delays

What’s Causing the Delays?

Strict Biosecurity Checks

The new border checks are designed to prevent harmful plant pests and diseases from entering the UK. For example, recently at the Sevington border control in Ashford, several trucks carrying plants from Italy were delayed for over eight days. The delay occurred because officials feared the plants might carry a harmful pest called Pochazia shantungensis.

Lack of Communication

While the government says these checks are necessary, suppliers are frustrated by the lack of communication. Many truck drivers and companies have complained that they don’t know why their goods are being held or when they will be released. This makes it very hard for them to plan their deliveries and keep their businesses running smoothly.

Stories from Affected Companies

Italian Haulage Company in Trouble

One Italian transport company, led by Vincenzo Marini, shared that one of their truck drivers had to wait in Kent for six days without knowing why their load was delayed. Marini had to switch drivers because the original driver had been stuck in his truck with no information for over a week. He expressed his frustration, saying that this situation makes it difficult for his company to continue delivering to the UK.

Suppliers Losing Trust in the UK Market

Another Italian supplier, who chose to remain anonymous, said they have paused deliveries to the UK due to fears of similar delays in the future. This supplier relies on the UK for 60% of their business but has had no clear communication from the authorities about why the delays occurred. They are now worried about future disruptions and delays.

Rising Costs and Driver Frustrations

Transport Costs Going Up

The new checks are also increasing transport costs. Lorries often have to wait five or six hours at the border for inspections, pushing prices. Suppliers are forced to raise their prices to cover these extra costs, making doing business with the UK even harder.

Drivers Don’t Want to Work on UK Routes

Many truck drivers are also getting fed up with these long delays. They are often stuck waiting for hours or even days, which is exhausting and frustrating. This is making some drivers refuse to take jobs that involve UK deliveries.

Past Problems at the Border

IT Problems Earlier in the Year

This isn’t the first time delays have caused problems. Earlier in the year, lorries were held at the UK border for more than a day due to IT system failures. These long waits caused delays for perishable goods, like plants, which can’t afford to sit at the border for too long.

Dutch Transporters Also Facing Delays

Dutch transport companies are also being affected. Transport en Logistiek Nederland, representing 5,000 Dutch transport firms, warned earlier this year that many of their members may stop taking jobs to the UK because of the delays. On average, drivers are being held up at the UK border for more than four hours, which makes it harder for companies to meet delivery deadlines.

Calls for Improvement from the HTA

HTA Urges Better Communication

In their letter to the UK government, the HTA calls for better communication from border agencies. They want clear information to be provided to suppliers and transport companies so they know why goods are being delayed and how long they will last.

Request for Talks with Ministers

The HTA has also requested an urgent meeting with government ministers to discuss the ongoing problems and find solutions to improve the situation.

Government’s Response

Balancing Biosecurity and Trade

A spokesperson from the UK government responded by saying they are committed to reducing trade barriers while ensuring strong biosecurity measures. They emphasized the importance of physical checks in preventing harmful plant and animal diseases from entering the UK. According to the government, the recent discovery of the Pochazia pest in delayed shipments shows that these checks work.

The new border checks after Brexit create significant challenges for European plant exporters, who struggle with delays, high costs, and poor communication. As some transport companies pull out of the UK market, the future of plant trading between the UK and the EU remains uncertain. The HTA continues to push for solutions to ease these issues and maintain trade flow.

EU Plant Exporters Halt Supplies to UK Due to Brexit Border Delays