New import charge creates financial barriers for small businesses

A common user charge (CUC) will come into effect from 30 April 2024 the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed. Its introduction follows consultation with industry stakeholders on an administrative charge to defray the cost incurred by government-run border control posts (BCPs). 

The CUC will be imposed on all commercial imports of animal and plant products requiring sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks through BCPs serving Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.

Olamide Osifeso customs assistant at RSM UK said: ‘The new charge is applicable to eligible imports irrespective of whether the consignment undergoes SPS checks in addition to any existing charges imposed by the Port Health Authority or the Animal and Plant Health Agency. The cost is said to be to pay for UK biosecurity but commentators believe this is a direct tax which could cripple...