Defra propose new flat rate import fee and changes to frequency of checks
Following a recent consultation with plant businesses and stakeholders across Great Britain, Defra are proposing to implement changes to the current plant import regime that will take effect from 22nd July 2022.
Introduction of new flat-rate fee
Defra are considering introducing a new, flat rate import inspection and identity check fee placed on plants for planting, and cuttings, that originate from the EU and non-EU countries.
The system proposed by Defra would introduce a new, flat rate import inspection and identity check fee for plants for planting and cuttings, regardless of whether they originate from EU or non-EU countries. The proposed new fee structure will change to £32.15 for physical inspection fees and £1.57 for identity check fees.
Harmonized plant import check frequency
From 22 July 2022, Defra are also proposing a new frequency of checks regime for imports of plants for planting and produce, that will align inspection rates for these commodities from EU and non-EU origins. Currently inspection rates are different.
This new regime will take a scientific approach to balancing biosecurity risk against frictionless border controls for these commodities, ensuring that Defra’s approach to targeted inspections remains based on the risk posed to UK biosecurity.
These new frequencies of checks will seek to reduce the volume of import inspections on non-EU produce and plants for planting, aligning them as much as possible with EU check levels for high priority plants and plant products.
The inspection frequencies published in the Further reading section of this article may be subject to further change and Defra will publish the final percentages soon.
Further reading:
Proposed Frequency Rates for Import Inspections on Plants, Plant Products from 1st July 2022