The new post-Brexit border rules, which come into force on Wednesday, have raised fears of “serious biosecurity risks” and disruptions to chains.
The Committee on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has raised concerns with Secretary of State Steve Barclay about the government’s preparations. Products from Britain have been subject to similar checks in the EU since they left the bloc’s only market in early 2021, but the UK has delayed checks in the other direction.
The committee’s chairman, Sir Robert Goodwill, said he was interested in plans that would bring about 70% relief in investment for random animal product checks at Dover. The Conservative MP said: “We remain concerned about the location of the physical checks that will be carried out on advertising mailings. “
Under the new system, suitability checks on food arriving in Dover will be carried out at a facility in Sevington, Kent, about 22 miles inland. Sir Robert Goodwill, in a letter to the Secretary of Defra, wrote: “Your Department has informed us that Sevington will supply a modern and specially designed system for goods and live animals arriving through the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel. “
“The justification for Defra appears to be that it is situated to allow the smooth movement of goods from the two ports of access without disrupting traffic flows from the Port of Dover. However, the Sevington inland border facility will require cars to be unattended 22 miles across Kent, which presents potentially serious biosecurity risks, but also compromises compliance. “
He added: “We perceive that drivers will not be required to go to Sevington if asked to do so. As such, we have genuine and moderate considerations about the geographical dislocation of inland border facilities from the port of entry. “
The Port of Dover Authority has expressed concerns about the project, as well as potential funding cuts. A government spokesperson said: “We have put in place strict border controls to protect the protection of food and animals, as well as our highest biosecurity standards. , remains unchanged. “
The spokesperson added: “After careful attention to the characteristics of the border checkpoints in Kent, we have announced our aim to consolidate physical checks at the Sevington inland border facilities. We are confident that Sevington will have the mandatory measures in place to mitigate biosecurity. hazards related to the fact that this facility is located far from the port of entry.
They also noted that further adjustments were coming, with controls on medium-risk animal products from the EU from 30 April and new requirements for EU imports from 31 October. Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Micheal Martin said that while Ireland was “well prepared” for the adjustments, he reminded businesses, particularly in the agri-food sector, to be prepared.
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