The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) is one of only two trade associations to be selected by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to carry out a special review.
As part of the Business Focus on Enforcement initiative,FPC is reviewing charges for official controls on fresh produce imports in England.
The FPC will also ask the fresh produce industry for its views on the application of an Assured Trader Scheme which recognises high compliance levels by certain importers, with reduced levels of inspection.
Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the FPC, said: 'We welcome this innovative approach by UK government which allows the industry to highlight key areas of concern and to present vital evidence on issues. We are delighted that FPC has been successful in being selected to undertake this review.'
The review covers: comparison of differences in charging regimes for the same services by Port Health Authorities; assessment of additional costs incurred by importers and agents, in particular when delays occur in clearing highly perishable fresh produce;comparison of pesticide residue testing charges under official controls with commercial industry rates; assessment of alternative service provision of inspections by other government agencies which already provide inspections under other regulations;communications between Port Health Authorities and importers/agents.
FPC members have raised concerns about inconsistent charges at some ports and additional costs due to delays in clearing consignments under the required increased levels of controls for certain imports under EC Regulation 669/2009.
Jenney added: “We are keen to carry out our review of the impact of charges for official controls on ‘high risk’ fresh produce imports. FPC members have raised with us problems they experience and we want to take this opportunity to investigate further and present the findings to the minister.”
The FPC is encouraging anyone affected by EC Regulation 669/2009 to take part in this review.
Companies can provide feedback through a questionnaire or contribute towards more detailed case studies on specific aspects. If you would like more information contact sian@freshproduce.org.uk
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