The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), the UK’s largest trade body representing all parts of the meat and poultry sector, is urging the UK Government to negotiate a veterinary agreement with the EU as an urgent priority.
The failure of consistency in veterinary controls and the inaccuracy of certification processes post-Brexit have left UK businesses at risk of economic loss, waste, and an increasingly unmanageable burden of bureaucracy, the trade body said.
Defra ministers have committed to seeking a new veterinary agreement with the EU as part of its ‘new deal with farmers’, although the negotiations are likely to be complex and will take a long time.
AIMS said since Brexit, the UK’s Border Control Posts (BCPs) have exhibited wide variability in how veterinary controls are applied, with individual veterinary decisions creating inconsistent outcomes. This has exposed importers to unnecessary risks, with different standards being enforced across BCPs. This inconsistency is not only adding complexity but also causing financial harm, as delays and rejections at the border lead to product spoilage and significant waste. A single wrong decision at a BCP can result in millions of pounds in lost revenue, placing both small and large meat processors in a precarious position.
“The situation is untenable,” said Jason Aldiss, Head of External Affairs at AIMS. “We are seeing a complete failure in the consistency of veterinary controls, which is compounded by the inaccuracy of the manual, outdated export certification system. Errors in veterinary certification are causing substantial losses for the industry, and without immediate action, these inefficiencies will continue to destabilise the meat sector.
“Furthermore, the additional paperwork and compliance costs for each lorry carrying an export load can be up to £1,500.00 whilst UK importers are being charged up to £870 per truck in customs fees, even when only 2% of consignments are inspected. A cost that is no doubt passed on in the first place to industry and ultimately the consumer”.
The inconsistencies in veterinary decision-making across the country and at BCPs exacerbate these issues, leading to further inefficiency, supply chain disruptions and possibly avoidable food spoilage.
“Inaccurate veterinary certification is another ongoing issue,” said Aldiss, “with the manual, antiquated system in place for export health certificates (EHCs) also prone to human error.
“We are regularly hearing of incorrect documentation that results in shipment rejections. These mistakes are costly to businesses and contribute to waste, as perishable products are delayed beyond their usable life.
“AIMS’ view is that veterinary agreement with the EU is urgently needed. It would address these critical issues by aligning veterinary standards, removing the need for EHCs, and ensuring that veterinary controls are applied uniformly across the UK.”