News / UK government defends 'crippling' fee for plant and animal product imports

© Aaron Amat

Defra, the UK’s food and environment ministry, has insisted that its Common User Charges, announced yesterday for plant and animal products entering the UK via Dover and Eurotunnel, followed “extensive consultation” with industry. 

From 30 April, the flat-rate of £10 or £29 per commodity will be capped at £145, “specifically to help smaller businesses”, a spokesperson for Defra told The Loadstar. 

Industry – and smaller businesses – do not agree.  

“The charges threaten to cripple SMEs in the fresh produce and plant ...