Import charges

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced new charges that will apply to imports entering Great Britain through the port of Dover and Eurotunnel from 30 April 2024.

This applies to the commercial movement of animal products, plants, and plant products. It will apply to each commodity line in a common health entry document. A maximum charge will be capped at £145.

This is part of changes to import controls under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).

Register your interest for this online session on preparing for BTOM.

IGD Viewpoint

This phase of the BTOM is substantial and will see checks commencing on medium and high-risk animal products from the EU, alongside the new charging regime through Dover and the Channel Tunnel.

The scale of change through transition to the BTOM is not to be underestimated. It is the most substantial change in trading since the EU exit, with the charges likely to have a greater financial impact on smaller suppliers. It is essential that businesses communicate with their suppliers across the EU and the rest of the world to ensure they are well prepared.

Increased geopolitical threats

Increased tensions between Israel and Iran threaten to further escalate Yemeni attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Ships have already been rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope adding journey time and cost.

This comes as the price of Brent crude oil has climbed above $89 a barrel following a Ukrainian drone strike on Russia’s third-largest refinery.

See our full analysis of how the geopolitical situation might well present challenges for the UK food system.

IGD Viewpoint

The geopolitical situation has become more complex and risky, a trend that is likely to continue in the coming years. The recent attacks in the Red Sea have already impacted shipping. About 80% of global trade in goods is by sea. Much of this runs on a small number of routes and may encounter geographic bottlenecks, such as the Bosphorus Strait and the Red Sea. Accidents, bad weather, military and political events may disrupt sea freight, especially where they occur at a bottleneck location.

In the face of a more unstable and changing world, IGD’s analysis of the global macroeconomic and political landscape supports business leaders in making better strategic decisions.

Sustainability agenda

The Office for National Statistics has reported an increase in the number of businesses taking at least some level of action to reduce their carbon emissions.

See our Delivering More Sustainable Packaging Systems report to understand the business case for investing in sustainable packaging systems, the calls to action for policymakers and industry, examples of incremental packaging changes and case studies.