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In the UK, the government has agreed to deregulate import procedures for reputable produce traders, cutting the level of checks required under EU marketing standards – a move that the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has described as a 'significant win' for the industry.

According to the Consortium, registered importers will be able to self-certify their own consignments under the Assured Trader Scheme from 20 July, with immediate release of products at the point of importation apart from occasional random checks.

'A change of this magnitude could only be achieved by a trade association working on behalf of individual businesses,' said FPC chief executive Nigel Jenney. 'It is the culmination of a long-term strategy by the FPC in conjunction with the Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate (HMI) which will save the UK fresh produce industry significant time and cumulative costs estimated at £3m (€3.6m) each year.

'We believe that 80 per cent of importers could be eligible to join the Assured Trader Scheme, resulting in the immediate clearance of goods under the Specific Marketing Standards,' he added. 'We urge importers to take up the Scheme and seize these benefits.'

In addition, limited and random checks on produce subject to the General Marketing Standard will also mean that just 1 per cent of produce will be selected for checks by the HMRC Chief system, with a higher rate of checks applied only if necessary for certain products from particular countries or from particular importers based on their trading performance.

The Assured Trader Scheme is open to importers who can demonstrate that they have a good level of compliance with the regulations, training in place for their staff, inspection records showing corrective action, and suitable facilities.