Importers of plants are raising concerns about delays and damage to shipments at the Sevington border control post in Kent, which could lead to higher prices and potentially deter transport companies from continuing deliveries across the Channel. Traders have reported experiencing long waiting times at this facility, constructed for inspecting goods of plant and animal origin from the EU. One importer indicated that delays are contributing an additional £200 to each load.
Warnings have been issued regarding repeated damage to trees and shrubs during the inspection process, as the unloading and reloading of items can be problematic. Since the implementation of stringent sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls following Brexit, all high or medium-risk plant products, such as bedding plants and cut flowers, are subject to inspection aimed at enhancing biosecurity in the UK.
Issues at the Sevington facility include reported instances where trucks have been delayed for several days. For example, a recent shipment of olive trees was held for five days before reaching its destination. Traders noted that slight delays can significantly affect their operations. John Davidson from Tom Brown Wholesale stated that delays tend to occur in waves, impacting their supply chain.
These delays are heightened during a peak importing season, following slower periods during the summer months. Premier Plants, a landscaping supplier, highlighted that ongoing border delays risk hampering their reliability and increasing costs. In one instance, a recent delivery contained damaged potted plants, prompting criticism regarding carelessness during handling.
The Sevington facility incurs annual operational costs estimated at £23 million, with importers required to pay a charge for using the inspection facility. Although the government has initiated physical checks in recent months, the industry is looking for a long-term SPS agreement with the EU to alleviate the current challenges, with some speculating that such an agreement may not be finalized until 2027. The government has indicated that it is reviewing border control procedures and aims to enhance the efficiency of inspections.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/nov/08/plant-importers-say-border-delays-kent-could-drive-up-prices-stop-deliveries-from-eu