IMTA responds to Common User Charge & calls for an extension to the education period beyond 30th April

IMTA and the wider industry have been calling for Defra to release crucial remaining detail on the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) to enable industry to prepare for the 30^th of April go live for full veterinary checks on imports from the EU. Yesterday the long-awaited detail of the Common User Charge (CUC) emerged. IMTA responded months ago to the government’s CUC consultation and though it does seem like some of the points raised in the consultation have been reflected on it still brings extremely unwelcome additional costs for industry and UK consumers. This is in addition to the charges that have already been incurred with the introduction of health certification. IMTA believes that the estimates in the final BTOM of the additional costs to industry as a result of the BTOM are likely substantially underestimated as they will not have taken into consideration the additional administrative burden and impact on operating hours for supply chains.

Last week we wrote to BTOM Ministers in Defra and the Cabinet Office to call for an extension to the educational period and stressed the importance of Defra providing 24hour support to industry when veterinary controls come in. With only a few weeks to go we need this detail now.

In the EFRA Select Committee last week Secretary of State Stephen Barclay said ‘a lot of the scare stories pertaining to January did not emerge’, however members’ experience was quite different and a lot of issues did emerge which we worked to triage and that have brought new cost burdens to industry and UK consumers. In the evidence session Defra said it was confident that ports will have enough resources for the end of April deadline. IMTA cannot see how that can be the case when we are still awaiting detail on the frequency of physical checks for April 30^th.

The Central Hub has only been checking a very small number of certificates and that is not providing industry or the certifying vets in the EU with the detailed feedback necessary to prepare for full import controls from April 30^th. We have requested a meeting with ministers to discuss our concerns in detail and are awaiting a response.

IMTA CEO Katie Doherty said “I believe it is dangerous for Defra to assume that the educational approach since 31^st January means April 30^th will be a smooth transition. We have significant concerns and are calling for an extension to the educational period well beyond April 30th.”

IMTA is a UK trade association, representing predominantly UK companies importing and exporting meat. Our goal is the facilitation of the trade in meat ensuring UK consumer choice, food security and carcass balance through import and export. IMTA provides leading trade expertise on UK trade policy including on customs, tariffs, quotas, rules of origin, WTO, trade agreements, SPS conditions and market access.