On Monday, June 2, 2025, the United Kingdom (UK) shared its first follow-up action on the reset of the Brexit agreements between the UK and the European Union (EU). The UK announced that the current relaxation of import controls on vegetables and fruits from the EU is extended until January 31, 2027. This means that all ongoing preparations necessary to continue the export of these medium-risk vegetables and fruits from July 1 are immediately halted. The border passage for these goods will not become more complicated for now.
Relaxation Extended
During the implementation of the British Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) in 2024, a relaxation was established for vegetables and fruits with a medium risk exported from the EU to the UK. This gave companies more time to prepare for such controls. This meant that these goods from the EU were still treated as low-risk and therefore temporarily exempt from phytosanitary inspection and certification requirements. The relaxation was set to expire on July 1, 2025.
However, the British government has decided to extend the relaxation until January 31, 2027. This decision was made with a view to the joint intention of the British government and the European Union to negotiate a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement over the next 6 months, as announced during the summit of UK and EU leaders on May 19, 2025.
For all companies, regulators, and employees who took responsibility to adequately prepare for the announced situation, there is now certainty: the border passage for these goods will not become more complicated for now.
Follow-up
From LVVN, NVWA, KCB, and Naktuinbouw, we are considering the further handling of this preparation phase and will inform you about it soon.
The UK emphasizes that all processes already arranged in other goods (and animal) streams will continue to comply with the BTOM requirements until further notice.