UK: EU Fruit Import Checks Scrapped

Arne Mielken
Jun 4
5 min read

UK Customs Compliance Just Got Easier for Fruit Importers

In a major win for EU–UK trade compliance, the UK Government has announced it will scrap upcoming customs and sanitary checks on fruit and vegetable imports from the European Union. These customs reforms, part of the new SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) deal, signal a clear shift in direction under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset.

The decision affects import compliance processes at the UK border, directly reducing bureaucracy and operational cost burdens for importers. According to UK officials, this move will save businesses an estimated £200 million, primarily in customs clearance, document handling, and inspection delays.

This blog dives deep into the customs implications, the products affected, and what it all means for customs professionals, importers, and trade compliance officers.

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Key Questions Covered in This Blog

What has changed in UK import controls for EU fruit and vegetables?
What is the new SPS deal, and how does it affect UK customs?
Which products are impacted by this decision?
What does this mean for importers and customs professionals?
How does this affect the future of UK–EU trade compliance?

Downloads & Resources

Analysis: EU–UK Reset Deal: What It Means
EU-UK Reset: Press release UK
EU-UK Reset: Press release EU (Eu Commission)
EU-UK Reset: Press release EU (EU Council)
EU-UK Reset: Joint Statement of EU & UK
EU-UK Reset: Common Understanding

“For importers of EU produce, this isn’t just a reprieve—it’s a game-changer. This signals a smarter, leaner UK customs strategy with cost-cutting at its core.”— Arne Mielken, Managing Director, Customs Manager

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What has changed in UK import controls for EU fruit and vegetables?

In a surprise move on June 2, 2025, the UK Government cancelled the planned July 1 SPS border checks on so-called "medium-risk" fruit and vegetable imports from the EU. These checks, which would have required documentary, identity and physical inspections, are now officially scrapped.

This signals a Brexit border policy reversal—and a pivot towards streamlined customs processes for agri-food imports. DEFRA confirmed that routine border controls will no longer apply to products like tomatoes, grapes, cherries, and peppers.

For customs professionals, this change removes the operational complexity of coordinating inspections at Border Control Posts (BCPs) and lowers the compliance cost significantly.

What is the new SPS deal, and how does it affect UK customs?

The SPS deal—agreed at the recent UK–EU summit on May 19, 2025—is a bilateral agreement focused on reducing regulatory frictions in food trade. This deal now aligns certain SPS standards and recognises EU food safety controls as equivalent to UK requirements.

In practical terms, this means fewer documentary requirements, less paperwork, no inspection delays, and faster customs clearance for fresh produce. It also signals a softening of hard Brexit trade barriers—at least for now.

Which products are impacted by this decision?

The decision applies to "medium-risk" fruit and vegetable imports, including:

Tomatoes
Grapes
Plums
Peaches
Cherries
Peppers

These were previously designated as requiring enhanced checks due to plant health risks. Under the new deal, they're treated as low-risk, easing the burden on importers and customs brokers alike.

If you handle any of these goods, expect a smoother customs process and faster time-to-market.

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What does this mean for importers and customs professionals?

For importers, this removes a looming compliance headache. The abolished checks would have meant additional pre-notifications, inspection booking, delays, and penalties for non-compliance. That’s all now off the table.

For customs consultants and compliance officers, it simplifies your documentation burden, especially regarding Common Health Entry Documents (CHED-Ds) and PEACH notifications.

The focus now shifts back to ensuring correct customs classification, origin documentation, and VAT compliance—areas where non-compliance still bites hard.

How does this affect the future of UK–EU trade compliance?

This decision could be the first domino in a broader customs reform strategy. It demonstrates a willingness to collaborate with the EU, reduce regulatory divergence, and ease cross-border trade friction.

Politically, it’s the clearest sign yet of the Starmer Government’s intention to “reset” Brexit and reduce customs pain points.

The big question is: Will this lead to permanent mutual recognition, or is it a temporary fix?

One thing’s for sure—compliance professionals need to stay alert. Changes like this can swing quickly.

Arne’s Takeaway

The scrapping of July 2025’s fruit and vegetable import checks is more than a customs technicality—it’s a symbol of a new, pragmatic trade direction. If you import produce from the EU, this is a win. But don’t get complacent. With customs, the devil’s in the details. Make sure your documentation, origin proofs, and VAT handling are still watertight. Need help reviewing your current setup? I’ve got you covered.

Expert Recommendations

Review your import processes immediately—strip out unnecessary SPS steps for these commodities.
Update training for your customs and logistics teams to reflect this regulatory change.
Continue monitoring DEFRA and HMRC notices for any late-stage reversals or future updates.
Engage a customs consultant to assess remaining compliance risks in your supply chain.

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Disclaimer

This blog is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified Customs Consultant or legal professional for your specific case.