Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs written question – answered at on 4 March 2025.
Linsey Farnsworth
Labour, Amber Valley
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure there is an adequate number of trained and skilled staff conducting checks on flowers and plants at UK border posts.
Daniel Zeichner
The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Checks at Border Control Posts are handled by trained staff working to standard operating procedures, ensuring inspections are undertaken safely and efficiently. APHA’s plant health import inspection process is accredited to the ISO 17020 Inspection Standard which is subject to external audits from the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS).
Inspectors are rigorously trained and are equipped to ensure SPS goods are handled safely and with care.
GB plant health services have significantly increased the number of plant health inspection staff to service the demand for import checks in England and Wales of EU plants and plant products. Inspector levels are being monitored to ensure these meet demand and ensure minimal trade disruption.
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