DEFRA policy change may help flower imports
Following liaison with associations in both the UK and Europe, and an in-depth analysis of statistical data, DEFRA have announced that from Monday 19th January, four of the five flowers in the Medium Risk A category will be downgraded.
The move, which follows a review by DEFRA’s Import Treats and Horizon Scanning Group, means that Dianthus, Gypsophila, Orchid and Solidago will drop from a 3% inspection frequency to a 1% inspection frequency and see the import inspection fees reduced accordingly.
In their statement DEFRA said the 1% inspection level reflects the fact that whilst these species have a known risk of having quarantine pests associated with them, good compliance when imported from the EU has allowed the reduction.
Unfortunately, the case for Chrysanthemum was less clear and the review on this flower group in ongoing as well as some other varieties that have seen higher than average infections.
The news has been broadly welcomed by companies and organisations both sides of the channel but with caution.
Because whilst any reduction in fees and risk of delays is welcomed, the reality is that flowers and plants are still subject to far greater checks than virtually any other commodity coming into the UK from mainland Europe.
In addition, while inspection levels may have been reduced, it does not reduce all the costs associated with importing into the UK plus – as our Wholesale Panel explains - click here to read - any mixed load could still be held and so the risk of delays remain never mind huge costs and damage to consignments.
Which is why when Union Fleurs and HTA organised a meeting with Lizzy Chatterjee of DEFRA to discuss the issues in September 2025, the aim of all organisations has and continues to be complete easement of inspections as soon as possible.
A move that already forms part of the proposed UK – EU SPS agreement officially launched in May 2025 as Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) explained: “Flowers, plants and other SPS goods continue to be hard hit by border delays, damage, and costs. The inspection reduction is welcome, but we need more positive moves and quickly. We need 2026 to return confidence, remove barriers and boost the British sector. That’s why the HTA are working with Government to push hard for the swift delivery and implementation of the EU-UK reset to remove all bureaucracy and border costs and seek easements and action on the challenges faced today at UK borders. Close collaboration with the industry to ensure full preparedness for future opportunities to export more, trade more and make growth happen is the key.”
That said, there is no doubt that this change is a move in the right direction as Nigel Jenney of FPC said in their press release regarding the announcement. “This is a genuinely positive and practical outcome for the industry at a time when many businesses are under real pressure. It shows that when evidence, compliance data and constructive engagement are brought together, proportionate border controls can be delivered that protect biosecurity without unnecessarily burdening trade.
John Davidson, CFO of Tom Brown Wholesale and newly appointed Chairman of British Florist Association said; “The BFA would like to thank the FPC for negotiating on the industry’s behalf with the government and for taking a pragmatic approach to the ongoing challenges our industry faces when importing. These new measures will not only reduce inspection frequency but also generate significant cost savings that will ripple throughout the industry. This is the news the BFA and our members have been patiently awaiting and hopefully the start of more discussions and decisions based on the facts.”
