Post-Brexit border processes are leading to significant delays and complications for hauliers transporting food to the UK. Issues such as incorrect paperwork have resulted in perishable goods being held up at inspection points, causing frustration among drivers and impacting trade efficiency. A recent report indicates that small to medium-sized businesses are particularly affected by these checks, which were not required while the UK was part of the EU's single market.
An upcoming sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal aims to ease some of these burdens, potentially boosting UK agri-food exports to the EU. However, full implementation may not occur until January 2028, and customs declarations will still be necessary, indicating that challenges will persist for the time being.