The government is being urged to secure a new deal with the EU as post-Brexit 'veterinary shortcomings' are costing the industry millions each year.

Inconsistencies and inaccuracies in veterinary regulations are ‘crippling’ the UK meat sector, the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has warned.

The UK’s leading trade body, representing all aspects of the meat and poultry industry, described the current situation as ‘untenable’.

Failures in consistent veterinary oversight and inaccuracies in certification processes are leaving UK businesses ‘at risk of economic loss, waste, and an increasingly unmanageable burden of bureaucracy’.

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Jason Aldiss, AIMS' head of external affairs, has called on the new government to prioritise negotiating a veterinary agreement with the EU.

“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a complete failure in the consistency of veterinary controls, which is compounded by the inaccuracy of the manual, outdated export certification system." he stated.

"Errors in veterinary certification are causing substantial losses for the industry, and without immediate action, these inefficiencies will continue to destabilise the meat sector.”

Since Brexit, the UK’s Border Control Posts (BCPs) have shown significant variation in the application of veterinary controls, with individual decisions leading to inconsistent outcomes, according to AIMS.

This inconsistency has exposed importers to unnecessary risks, with varying standards applied across different BCPs, the group explained.

It highlighted that this inconsistency not only complicates matters but also inflicts financial harm, as delays and rejections at the border lead to product spoilage and substantial waste.

A single incorrect decision at a BCP can cost millions in lost revenue, putting both small and large meat processors in precarious positions.

Additionally, the extra paperwork and compliance costs for each export load can reach £1500, while UK importers are charged up to £870 per lorry in customs fees, even though only 2% of shipments are inspected.

AIMS emphasised that the inconsistent veterinary decision-making across the country and at BCPs exacerbates these problems, leading to further inefficiency, supply chain disruptions, and avoidable food spoilage.

Aldiss also pointed out that inaccurate veterinary certification is a persistent issue, with the outdated, manual system for export health certificates (EHCs) prone to human error.

‘We are regularly hearing of incorrect documentation that results in shipment rejections’, he said, noting that these errors are costly and contribute to waste.

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.

“This would dramatically reduce costs, prevent delays, and restore the efficiency that existed before Brexit."

Aldiss concluded: “It is essential that the UK government acts now. Inconsistency and inaccuracy in veterinary controls are crippling our industry.”