UK flower and plant imports beset by confusion, rising costs, and delays

Trade organizations warn that the UK government's lack of clarity and transparency in implementing new phytosanitary rules is putting pressure on businesses already stretched thin. Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), has described the current border regime as "chaotic and incoherent," reflecting widespread frustration across the horticultural sector. Many fear that without urgent improvements, both British consumers and growers will suffer through higher prices, reduced choices, and risks to domestic production.

A turbulent transition to new border controls
Under new import rules introduced in stages after Brexit, shipments of plants and cut flowers from the EU now face physical inspections at Border Control Posts. Since April 2024, categories like plants for planting and some cut flowers have been subject to biosecurity checks upon arrival in Britain.

This marked a significant change from the previous system, where many plant health inspections took place at importers' own facilities. However, the transition has been far from smooth. Importers report that official guidance has been scant and often last-minute, making it difficult to prepare. Jenney criticized the rollout as essentially a "hospital pass from the previous government," noting that even after "years of waiting," the industry still lacks firm details on when and how the full checks will be enforced and which products will be affected.

The FPC and the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) jointly wrote to ministers in late 2024, highlighting "significant challenges" since the new regime began, from rising costs to cumbersome red tape. They urged an urgent meeting with the government to address the problems, stressing that poor communication and opaque planning have left businesses in limbo.

Mounting costs and the Common User Charger (CUC)
One of the most controversial new burdens is the Common User Charge (CUC) – a fee levied on imports to fund border inspection facilities. The CUC can run up to £145 per consignment (for mixed loads of five product types). Importers, both large and small, must now pay this charge on each shipment of fresh produce, plants, or flowers entering via hubs like Dover. Industry leaders say the costs are onerous and disproportionate, especially for small firms. "This is hugely expensive…unaffordable," Jenney warned, calling the CUC "a blatant tax on our industry by the UK government" that will "drive food inflation."

Small importers could see their profits wiped out, with thousands of pounds in extra fees each week, and may be forced to narrow their product range or raise prices for shoppers. Even larger operators struggle: Jenney estimates some companies will incur £50,000–£60,000 in additional annual costs from the CUC alone.

The trade bodies have called on the government to suspend or review the £145 charge, suggesting a 12-month halt while the economic impact is assessed. Without relief, they argue, these fees will inevitably lead to higher prices and less variety on UK store shelves.

Border delays threaten perishables
Beyond costs, delays at border checkpoints have emerged as a critical issue for this time-sensitive trade. New inspection procedures and limited staffing have led to backlogs at Border Control Posts in Kent and elsewhere. Importers report waits that can stretch to 20 hours or more for loads to be cleared.

"We've become the country that no one wants to supply anymore," remarked Mike Parr, CEO of PML Seafrigo, UK and Ireland, reflecting the growing exasperation of European partners weary of UK red tape.

As things stand, Europe's flower farms and plant nurseries—from the rose fields of the Netherlands to Italian olive tree growers—face an obstacle course sending goods to the UK. British importers are caught in the middle, juggling unpredictable delays, surging costs, and reams of paperwork in a bid to keep shops stocked and gardens blooming.

The tone among these businesses is one of deep concern, but also determination. They emphasize that they accept the need for biosecurity in a post-Brexit world, yet feel the current system is over-complicated and under-prepared, hitting them with burdens that could be avoided with smarter policy. "Ultimately there will be fewer products available or UK consumers will bear the brunt of the cost," Nigel Jenney warns, if the status quo continues.

His plea – echoed by many in the sector – is for the government to provide clarity, fairness and support before the situation worsens. In the meantime, the UK's cut flower and plant importers remain in a precarious position, doing their best to navigate the new rules.