NFU Scotland calls new border controls ‘unfortunate’

New border controls are labeled as ‘unfortunate’ because many farmers are still exposed to very harmful plant and animal diseases.

The second phase of the Government’s Border Target Operating Model, which sets out a new risk-based approach to import controls on goods entering the UK from abroad, launched this week.

From April 30, physical and identity checks applied to medium and high-risk animal products, plants and plant products entering the UK from the EU, based on a risk-based approach.

However, in the first few days, the required level of checks is not being adhered to, with some media reports suggesting shipments are being allowed even if incorrect paperwork has been provided.

The post-Brexit measures have seen numerous false starts and delays in recent years.

NFU Scotland has called the rollout ‘lamentable’ and added that any future government must deliver on animal and plant health and UK food security after this year’s expected general election.

The union’s vice-president Andrew Connon said the controls had “exposed farmers and crofters to hugely destructive diseases such as African swine fever”.

“That is in stark contrast to the problems and delays that British food exporters faced in the early days of Brexit in getting goods to Europe,” he said.

“Lax implementation of import controls, if left unaddressed, means our producers continue to be exposed to unacceptable risks.”

The new system assigns plant and animal products from the EU to high, medium or low risk categories. Companies that import them will pay fees per product type of up to £145.

But NFU Scotland’s election manifesto stated that more resources were needed for import controls in addition to the Border Target Operating Model.

The union also called for an effective UK Border Force to minimize food fraud and the risks it poses to consumers and biosecurity.

Mr Connon continued: “This Government must act immediately to address any shortcomings in border control and report to industry on the implementation of the final phase.

“It must give the health of our plants and animals the protection they deserve.”