THE UK government has delayed the introduction of border checks on produce brought into the country from the European Union (EU) for a third time, reports London's Air Cargo News.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it had extended the easement of import checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables imported from the EU from January 2025 to July 1, 2025.

Defra said the easement is a temporary measure to ensure that new ministers have a full and thorough opportunity to review the planned implementation of further border controls, and an opportunity to listen to businesses across import supply chains.

The checks are being introduced as part of the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Three main risk categories were drawn up for imports of animals, animal products, plants and plant products into Great Britain: high risk, medium risk and low risk.

The first phase of this regulation came into force at the end of January this year, which required health certificates on EU goods ranging from cut flowers, to fresh produce including meat, fruit and vegetables.

This was followed by a second phase launched on April 30, which began physical checks for products such as chilled and frozen meat, fish, cheese, eggs, dairy products and certain cut flowers and seeds.

A third phase, which would introduce physical checks on fruit and vegetables, has been delayed several times and has now been pushed back to July 2025.

Nichola Mallen, head of trade at Logistics UK, welcomed the news: "The news that government is delaying the reclassification of fresh produce and the need for additional costs and checks on these imports from the EU will be welcome news for those responsible for moving these goods into the country.

"It is vital that the movement of fresh food is undertaken as swiftly and seamlessly as possible to ensure goods in our shops are of the best possible quality, and this is something that the logistics industry has been pressing for some time. It is good to hear that the government is listening to the concerns of our sector and taking action."