The Cold Chain Federation (CCF) has commented on reports that Government is set to announce details of how post-Brexit regulatory checks on food and other imports will be introduced.

In April last year, the Government announced a fourth round of delays to controls and checks on EU goods entering the UK, handing what many commentators have described as a competitive advantage to other food-producing nations, that has now stretch to over three years.

The delays affected the introduction of full SPS checks and the introduction of certification for imports from the EU.

According to the i newspaper, the Cabinet Office is expected to publish details of how the new border processes will work, with the aim of introducing them later this year.

It is believed that a new “trusted traders” programme will mean regular importers can avoid having to pass through full checks, and some firms will be able to send goods in bond, meaning that the packages cannot be opened until they reach a designated venue such as a warehouse. It is there that any required checks will be carried out.

The CCF represents businesses in the UK that operate cold storage and temperature-controlled transport. Chief executive of the trade body, Shane Brennan said that ‘how’ and ‘when’ these controls will be implemented “is absolutely crucial” for businesses moving fresh and frozen food from the EU into the UK.

He continued: “The introduction of these controls has been repeatedly delayed since January 2021 because of the inevitable disruption they are going to bring, particularly for small businesses. The right communications and a pragmatic approach will be crucial if we are to avoid a repeat of the collapse in small businesses’ food movements we saw when similar controls were introduced for exports.

“The acid test will be how the new fast tracks work for ‘groupage’, which is the way small businesses import smaller quantities of goods and which has become near impossible for exports.”