Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with representatives from the British florist industry on the impact of the (a) cost of inspection for phytosanitary certificates, (b) industry specific problems with groupage in haulage, (c) levels of paperwork and (d) customs agent fees on that sector's trade with the EU; and if she will make a statement.

Cut flowers from the EU do not currently require a phytosanitary certificate and consequently there are no associated inspection costs for these goods.

Customs agents’ fees are a commercial matter, agreed between private parties so there has been no government consultation on this issue.

Defra engage regularly with key stakeholders and several trade associations that represent the UK horticulture, floriculture and fresh produce sectors.

The methodology used to calculate plant health import inspection fees has been consulted on whenever changes are made, most recently at the end of 2021, when a new flat-rate fee was introduced at the request of industry. Respondents to that consultation included the Fresh Produce Consortium, Horticultural Trades Association, National Farmers’ Union, Royal Forestry Society, Welsh Horticultural Stakeholders, and the Woodland Trust.

We will continue to consult with representatives from trade associations and targeted stakeholders in the co-design of the new border Target Operating Model. A draft will be published and shared with industry for feedback soon.