FPC Victory Brings Lower Costs and Smoother Borders for UK Flower Trade
9 Jan 2026
The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has welcomed confirmation from Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) that four flower species imported from the EU will benefit from a reduction in plant health border inspection rates from 3% to 1%, effective from 00:01 on 19 January 2026.
The decision represents a major win for the UK floriculture supply chain and its customers, achieved through the submission of detailed technical evidence by FPC and supported by sustained, constructive engagement with Defra officials. It reinforces the value of the UK’s dynamic, risk-based approach to biosecurity, grounded in strong compliance data and real-world trade performance.
FPC has praised Defra’s pragmatic and evidence-led response, highlighting how effective collaboration between government and industry can reduce unnecessary friction at the border, lower costs across supply chains and deliver tangible benefits for exporters, wholesalers, florists and consumers — while maintaining robust biosecurity protections.
Under the revised arrangements, inspection rates for a number of EU flower species will fall to 1%, significantly easing cost and administrative pressures. Inspection levels for chrysanthemums will remain unchanged at 3%, while FPC has emphasised the importance of resolving outstanding issues relating to lisianthus, which remains under review.
Nigel Jenney, CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium, stated:
“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.
I would also like to thank the British Florist Association for their constructive support throughout this process and for working alongside us in representing the interests of the wider floriculture sector.”
Industry Reaction:
Tom Brown, Managing Director of Tom Brown Wholesale Florists Ltd, said:
“Great to finally see the Government listening to the industry and applying a bit of common sense. A 65% reduction on four of the five problematic varieties is a huge win, especially at a time when the whole sector could really use a boost. Exporters, wholesalers and florists will all benefit from these changes. Big thanks to the FPC for their persistence and sensible approach.”
John Davidson, BFA Chair, commented:
“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.”
The announcement also contributes to wider progress under the UK-EU reset on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) arrangements. With fresh fruit and vegetables already benefiting from easements, and now flowers moving to nil or very low inspection rates, the cumulative reduction in border bureaucracy is estimated to be worth more than £1.5 billion to industry ahead of any future formal SPS agreement later this year.
Looking ahead, FPC has noted the importance of ensuring that future policy development continues to recognise the UK’s globally diverse supply base, with more than half of fresh produce, flower and plant imports originating from Rest of the World (RoW) suppliers. Maintaining the UK’s proven, science-led risk-based inspection regime will be essential to preserving year-round availability, supply chain resilience and price stability for consumers.
FPC will continue to work closely with Defra and international partners to support border policies that remain proportionate, biosecure and supportive of sustainable trade, delivering benefits for businesses and consumers alike.