The Director General of Britain’s leading trade body has described conservative Ministers described as “clever” for using bank holiday weekend to hide new impact Brexit A border inspection system that is set to add delays, red tape and cost to many imports.
Marco Forgione, director general of the Institute of Export and International Trade (IoE&DT), was commenting on the second phase of the controversial new. Boundary Target Operating Model (BTOM) The system for checking animal and plant exports was launched on Wednesday 30 April.
There have already been reports of garden centers and other businesses “stockpiling” plants and goods to avoid the initial chaos of the system brought about by Brexit.
Mr. Forgione said Independent: “The government was smart to launch an investigation into what are bank holidays in the EU because of the reduction in traffic.
“The issue is what will happen in the coming days and weeks. “A lot of businesses have their work done before the checks even arrive…inventory management, you could call it storage.”
But he acknowledged that delays to BTOM are likely to have an impact, particularly on small and medium-sized businesses that may struggle to stay afloat as a result of the changes.
This is despite Brexiteers’ promises that leaving the EU would make it easier to do business and lead to more opportunities. Remainers have always warned that raising barriers to Britain’s biggest trading partner is a huge risk.
Mr Forgione, who is regularly consulted by Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, said: “The biggest question is what happens to small traders and producers for whom the costs and potential delays are significant. For some businesses, this is largely their margin.
“We have negotiated with many producers and wholesalers who sell products, especially Polish products, sausages and these types of products. One hauler estimates their additional costs at one and a half million pounds a year.
“This will result in either increased costs for UK consumers or shrinkage or availability issues.
“The reality is that unfortunately, implementation has been quite poor in terms of engagement with businesses, making it clear what is happening and when, while leaving enough time for businesses to be able to plan. And there is enough clarity.”
The introduction of BTOM is part of the Brexiteer obsession with “taking back control” of Britain’s borders. The third phase of BTOM is scheduled to begin in October.
BTOM sets out a new approach to border security controls (applicable to all imports), and sanitary and phytosanitary controls (applicable to imports of live animals, animal products, plants and plant products). It sets out how controls will be simplified and digitalised, and what our ambitions are for the UK’s new Single Trade Window (STW).
Supporters say it makes it easier for importers from non-EU countries but critics warn it is evidence Brexit is exacerbating the cost of living crisis.
Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman, Sarah Olney MP, said: “This Conservative government is drowning our businesses in red tape and imposing higher costs on a public already facing a cost-of-living crisis.
“We need root and branch reform in our relationship with Europe. Businesses and consumers cannot be penalized because of a bad deal from this Conservative government.
“The Liberal Democrats are the only party that will fix Britain’s broken relationship with Europe and ensure that businesses and the public get a fair deal.”
A government spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting businesses as they adapt to the new border checks and maintaining the smooth flow of imported goods. We are continuing to test the infrastructure and systems ahead of their introduction to the horticulture sector. Working to do.
“We are confident that we have sufficient capacity and capability at all points of entry to handle the volume and type of checks expected, while inspectors have undergone extensive training to ensure that goods are treated safely and with care. Let’s do.”