Border checks on EU plant and animal products begin on January 31, sparking concerns about increased paperwork and higher prices.

Different rules will apply to imported fresh goods, requiring health certificates for items such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, and plants.

These changes align with current EU rules for UK exporters, which have been implemented over the past three years.

New regulations precede more significant shifts expected in April when physical inspections at borders will become standard practice.

These changes are poised to significantly impact lorries transporting mixed loads for multiple UK customers.

The Common User Charge (CUC) plays a key role in the new system, an example includes adding costs for different flower species, prompting industry concerns about rising expenses.

Moving some low-risk items to medium or high risk in October could further inflate costs by £200mil.

Items potentially affected include fruits and vegetables, of which the UK imports 35%.

The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) anticipates widespread effects from the CUC, signalling a major shift in the UK's post-Brexit import strategy.

While the government assures consumer costs will rise by less than 1%, the FPC fears industry losses due to checks and delays.

FPC chief executive, Nigel Jenney, criticised the government for unclear plans and views the cost increase as a tax on the industry: “The industry was shocked to learn that the government is planning to move several European fruits and vegetables into the medium risk category with effect of October 2024.

“We are seeking urgent clarity; however, the October date has now been removed from Defra’s website, which simply causes further confusion.

He added: “Ultimately, the industry cannot absorb these costs and unfortunately unless the government changes its mindset, these costs will occur later this year.”

NFU deputy president, Tom Bradshaw, supports bio-checks to maintain biosecurity and prevent disease spread: “British farmers and growers are very proud of the standards we produce to, and maintaining our biosecurity at the borders is absolutely essential.

“We need to stop the risk of any plant and animal diseases coming in.”

Speaking from a retail perspective, Iceland chief, Richard Walker expresses uncertainty about the changes ahead: “The can has been kicked down the road for a very long time… but the reality is if you ask me exactly what's going to happen and how it's going to go, I don't know.

“We'll have to suck it and see, and we'll see what the consequences are but you know it is more friction and it feels that it has been bungled by the government.

He concluded: “The country is in a mess. It’s in a significantly worse place than it was 14 years ago and I’m an optimist.”