UK Business Groups Hit Out at New Food Import Charges

UK business groups have expressed their disapproval of the newly introduced charges on shipments of food from the EU, arguing it will increase business costs and food prices. The common user charge rates were announced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on Wednesday. They apply to imports of animal products, plants and plant products entering or transiting through the UK through the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel from all countries. From April 30, businesses will be footing the charge of up to £145 to each commodity line in a common health entry document (CHED). The charge for one CHED will be limited to five commodity lines and will not apply to low-risk plants and plant products....