Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the impact of the UK's departure from the EU on imports of scientific supplies; and what steps his Department is taking to help ensure sensitive scientific supplies, including algae cultures, arrive in the UK from the EU on time.

The Government’s priority is to keep goods moving and avoid delays at the border. The Government will act to ensure that border processes are as smooth as possible without compromising security.

The Government has put in place measures to facilitate trade with the EU and to avoid disruption at ports, including publishing comprehensive guidance on the new arrangements for trade with the EU.

Algae are defined as plants for planting if the intention is for them to be grown on. Since 1 January 2021, algae have been subject to the new requirements which apply to imports of high-priority plants and plant products to GB from the EU, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. This includes the requirement for:

• Goods to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate;
• Import pre-notification to be submitted to competent authority by the GB importer;
• Risk-based documentary, identity and physical checks.

Algae have been risk assessed and do not require a physical inspection. Document checks are completed electronically, and the consignment will move directly to the importer’s premises once the checks have been completed.