Around 80% of flowers sold in the UK come from the Netherlands, according to the British Florist Association, and post-Brexit trading rules are making sellers nervous.
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From this Tuesday, all fresh European plant and animal products, including milk, meat, flowers and other plants, entering the UK must be checked for disease at the British border.
Dutch flower and plant exporters expect days-long delays and believe British consumers will soon have to pay more for their products.
“Consumers in England have already seen a 5% price rise in the past due to Brexit. Now it will rise by another 5% because all inspections are carried out in the Netherlands, and now, within 24 hours, the same inspection will be repeated in England”, explains a Dutch florist.
Since Brexit, Dutch flowers and plants have to be checked in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Until now, this could be done close to the delivery location. But new customs rules now require flowers and plants to be inspected immediately after cargo arrives on British soil.
A director of a British customs clearance company also expects challenges. “From day one, in addition to the additional fees, there will undoubtedly be delays,” concedes Jon Beech of RBF Cargocare.
Asked about the consequences for the price of plants and flowers, Beech has no doubts: “the price will definitely go up”.
Tags: PostBrexit customs laws send prices soaring traders warn
