The government has extended the temporary suspension of import checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU, now lasting until July 1, 2025.

Until this date, these products will not face import checks or associated fees at the GB border, according to Defra's announcement on Friday, September 13.

Defra stated that this extension allows new ministers ‘full and thorough opportunity’ to review the future implementation of additional border controls and provides a chance to engage with businesses across the import supply chains.

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Additionally, Defra has revised the risk classification of certain plants and plant products, including deregulating some items, after a thorough scientific reassessment of commodities across all risk categories.

Seven commodity groups, such as apples and pears, will be reclassified from medium to low risk, facilitating their free movement into GB from the EU.

These changes will take effect on January 30, 2025. Defra assured it will ‘continue the systematic, proactive screening of potential new and emerging biosecurity risks’.

‘This is alongside maintaining our responsive approach to changes in risk levels via surveillance, enhanced inspection, regulation, import controls, research and awareness raising’. Defra added.