Significant costs, delays and distribution are expected as new SPS controls limit direct fresh produce trade between UK and Gibraltar
Defra has warned that plant-regulated goods may no longer be able to travel directly from UK to Gibraltar SPS controls due to the introduction of new SPS arrangements from 15 July.
Industry representatives were informed on 10 July that products subject to SPS controls are expected to enter through a Border Control Post in an EU member state such as Spain, according to ethe Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC). This will potentially requiring consignments to be re-routed via Spain before reaching Gibraltar.
The treaty is scheduled to enter provisional application on 15 July, a date confirmed by both the EU Council and Government of Gibraltar, giving affected companies just days to understand the requirements and reorganise established supply routes. Defra has acknowledged that it has received very little notice of the practical implementation arrangements.
UK exporters supplying fresh fruit and veg to the territory are likely to face significant delays and costs. Major retail supermarkets operating in Gibraltar territory such as Morrisons and The Food Co (Tesco) ship pre-packaged fresh produce such as washed salads, carrots and potatoes, as well as fruits such as apples, berries and stonefruit.
Rerouting through an EU Border Control Post will require businesses to secure phytosanitary certificates and IPAFFS pre-notification, alongside additional documentary requirements, inspections and handling charges. Businesses may also need to amend transport arrangements and work with different customs or logistics providers, furthering delays.
For highly perishable fresh produce products, even relatively short delays can reduce shelf life, compromising product quality and increasing waste.
Defra said Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) officials were aware of the implications and would assist businesses needing phytosanitary certification. Any traders that believe they are affected have been urged to contact APHA as soon as possible.
It is yet to be clarified how consignments will move through Spain, which products will be affected, and whether any transitional flexibility will be provided, despite implementation being only days away.
The abrupt arrangement has the potential to weaken the competitiveness of UK suppliers as Gibraltar-based business may choose to source products from within the EU, the FPC warned.
The immediate measures are part of a longer-term alignment strategy between the UK and EU to independently negotiate a wider SPS agreement expected for mid-2027. The overarching deal is expected to eliminate phytosanitary certificates and drastically cut routine border checks.
