Responding to news of a further delay of over 12 months on checks of EU food imports, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:

“Given current economic circumstances it’s sensible to postpone the implementation of import food checks, due to be introduced in July, September and November, for over 12 months.

“Our research has painted a clear picture that customs checks on goods and increased paperwork have damaged our exports to the EU, particularly from smaller businesses.

“With food prices rising, the extra costs from new checks on meat, fish, dairy and other products would fuel inflation – hitting the pockets of both business and the British public.

“We look forward to engaging with the Government consultation on new border processes. In due course we want to see all food checks and associated paperwork between Europe and Great Britain scrapped – through a negotiated agreement on rules for trade in animal and plant products.

“That would be the best way to cut costs for our exporters and boost trade to the EU which has remained stubbornly flat over the last 9 months.”

For more information on the delays to checks read here.