What's happened
New Brexit border checks on animal and plant products from the EU have been introduced, leading to increased costs and delays for importers, with concerns raised about the impact on small and medium-sized businesses.
Why it matters
The new post-Brexit border checks on animal and plant products from the EU are causing delays and increased costs for importers, particularly affecting small and medium-sized businesses. The checks have been long-awaited and are part of the UK's Brexit trade agreement, aiming to improve biosecurity but leading to practical challenges and financial burdens for businesses.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, traders are facing unexpected delays and challenges with the new Brexit border checks, including having to learn Latin names for plants. The Independent highlights concerns from the director general of the Institute of Export and International Trade about the impact of the new checks on businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.
How we got here
The UK officially left the EU four years ago, but the implementation of new trade rules, including health certificates for imports, has taken time. The new border controls are part of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) plan, with the second phase introducing physical checks on animal and plant products from the EU.
Common question
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