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Important update: Flower & Plant Inspections

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We would like to update you as border controls are tightening on lorries entering the UK, particularly regarding the products we handle.
 
Since Brexit, there has been a phased and pragmatic approach to controls on plants for planting and fresh-cut flowers (such as orchids, chrysanthemums, carnations, gypsophila, and solidago, to name a few) which are classified as high or medium risk for biosecurity purposes. This means they might be inspected for pests and diseases during import, which could cause delays while inspections and customs clearance are undertaken.
 
Currently, we are advised that 100% of plants will be inspected, and on average 3% of flowers. However, if a variety is identified for inspection, the whole consignment must be held until it is released by DEFRA and then cleared by HMRC.
 
To help maintain our efficiency, over the past year, we’ve applied for and built our own customs and inspection facility here at Flowervision Bristol. This will enable inspections to be carried out on-site without our lorries facing significant delays and queues at inland border control points.
 
That said, we do rely on DEFRA to attend and carry out physical inspections, but currently, they only operate on a 9 am-5 pm basis. If something is held for inspection, it might not be released until much later in the day and almost certainly after our delivery vans have departed. It will be ready to go the next day, provided it is cleared, and we will send it on as soon as possible.
 
We would recommend planning ahead where possible, especially for events, weddings, and time-sensitive orders, as it is becoming increasingly likely that inspections will become more frequent and stringent, and some delays may occur for key stock items. Ordering for an event or time-sensitive order on the same day is not recommended if it includes plants or any of the cut flowers detailed above. This situation is not only impacting Flowervision Bristol but all importers.
 
As part of our planning, we have recruited an in-house tax, customs, and import expert to ensure we continue complying with regulations and operating with as little disruption as possible, maintaining the same timeframe we always have: fresh stock from the auction arriving and available for collection/delivery the following morning.