Fresh Produce Export
BTOM and fresh produce exports to the UK: impact on your logistics operation in Q1 2026
In the first quarter of 2026, the NVWA and GreenportNL officially reported that there are ongoing problems in the fresh produce export chain to the United Kingdom. These are not minor disruptions in a new system, but structural bottlenecks in documents, phytosanitary certificates and processing at British border control posts. Now that the Border Target Operating Model fully applies, Dutch exporters and logistics parties are clearly noticing this. Anyone working with fresh products to the UK, such as tomatoes, cucumbers or strawberries, sees that a shipment that used to cross easily now requires much more administration. The main question for logistics planners and freight forwarders is no longer whether adjustments are needed, but what they look like in practice.
From postponement to full border control
After the UK left the European Union, there was uncertainty for a long time about border controls for agriculture and food. In the beginning, this worked to the advantage of exporters. The UK postponed controls several times, which kept the impact limited. The Border Target Operating Model,
the system for new border controls, was introduced step by step in 2024 and 2025. For fresh produce, this meant more and more obligations. Now that the system is fully operational, the total consequences are only really becoming noticeable.
The BTOM is not simple administration. It is an extensive system with many document requirements. For almost all fresh produce products from the EU, a phytosanitary certificate is required for import into the UK. This certificate comes from the NVWA and confirms that the products comply with UK requirements. What makes it difficult is that the UK may have its own rules that differ from those of the EU. This is still limited at the moment, but the expectation is that this difference will increase. As a result, complexity will increase further.
Where things go wrong in practice in fresh produce exports
Timing of certification
The biggest problem lies in the timing of NVWA certification. A certificate can only be issued after inspection. That inspection takes place when the product is ready for export. With fresh products, there is little time between reporting readiness and departure. The NVWA has limited capacity and works with applications that must be submitted on time.
For exporters used to fast delivery times, this is an ongoing problem. If a certificate arrives a day later, this can directly lead to loss of quality or even loss of product.
Dependency in the chain
In addition, it is not only about the NVWA and the exporter. The British importer and border authorities also play a role. Under the BTOM, a notification must be submitted in advance in the British IPAFFS system. This must be done by or on behalf of the British importer.
In practice, this means that a Dutch freight forwarder depends on the speed of the partner in the UK. If the notification is late, the shipment is stopped or delayed upon arrival. With a load of fresh products, every additional waiting time directly causes loss of quality.
Capacity at the border
Processing at British border control posts is the third problem. Now that the system is fully operational, more shipments are being checked. Border control posts must have sufficient capacity to process freight. In Q1 2026, exporters report waiting times ranging from several hours to half a day. For refrigerated products, this is a serious problem. It puts extra strain on cooling, creates a risk of moisture problems and leads to later delivery to the customer. This can affect acceptance by retailers.
Different product rules
The situation becomes even more difficult because not all products are the same. The UK works with risk categories. Products fall into high, medium or low risk. The controls differ per category. For freight forwarders with a broad assortment, this means they must know the correct rules for each product. An error or missing document for one product can delay the entire shipment.
Differences in knowledge
Another problem is the difference in knowledge within the chain. Growers, traders, exporters and carriers do not always have the same knowledge of the rules. As a result, the freight forwarder often takes on additional tasks. Logistics companies that frequently drive to the UK have already adjusted their processes. They check documents earlier in the day, work with fixed contact persons in the UK and plan extra time for delays.
Consequences of BTOM for the next twelve months
The consequences are clear. More administration per shipment, longer lead times and a greater chance of delay. This increases the cost of exporting to the UK. Think of extra administration, longer refrigeration and the risk of product loss. This comes on top of other factors such as exchange rates and a weaker British pound.
For smaller exporters, this is particularly difficult. They have less capacity to handle administration themselves and are dependent on external parties. It is therefore wise to work with a logistics partner that has experience with the UK and knows the rules well.
For larger exporters with fixed contracts, the challenge is different. They must not only properly manage individual shipments, but also keep the entire chain reliable. Retailers do not accept structural delays. This requires investments in processes, documentation and cooperation with British partners.
There is also uncertainty about the future of the BTOM. The UK may further adjust its rules and allow them to diverge from the EU. This may further increase complexity. How quickly this will happen is not yet clear, but it is something to take into account.
What you can do now as an exporter
In the short term, over the next three months, it is important to review your own processes carefully. Map out where the problems are in your documentation. Check per product which rules apply and whether this is going well. Determine where delays arise, whether in the NVWA application, the notification in the UK or at the border. Adjust your planning accordingly.
Check documents earlier and make clear agreements with your British partners about who submits the notification and when.
Also ensure that applications to the NVWA are submitted on time. This seems logical, but it still does not always happen. Internally record who is responsible for this and which deadlines apply. Make this clear to growers and traders as well.
In the medium term, three to twelve months, knowledge is important. The rules continue to change. Actively follow information from the NVWA and GreenportNL. Consider making someone within your organization responsible for these updates. Also work on a good relationship with British partners. Clear communication and agreements benefit every shipment.
Conclusion: BTOM makes fresh produce exports to the UK permanently more complex
The key question is whether the problems are temporary or permanent. Based on the reports from the NVWA and GreenportNL and the structure of the BTOM, it is clear that they are permanent. The system is not a temporary inconvenience, but a new reality that requires exporters and logistics companies to adapt.
The combination of certificates, notifications and controls makes exports to the UK clearly more complex than within the EU. This is known in the sector, but has not yet been fully incorporated everywhere into processes and planning.
What remains important to follow is the further development of British rules and capacity at border control posts. Those who actively follow this via the NVWA and GreenportNL avoid surprises and remain competitive in the British market.
Sources and background
- GOV.UK, Border Target Operating Model
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/border-target-operating-model-information-leaflets-for-businesses - GOV.UK, Final Border Target Operating Model (PDF)
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67079d6492bb81fcdbe7b619/Final_Border_Target_Operating_Model.pdf - UK Plant Health Information Portal
https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/trade/imports/imports-from-the-eu/import-requirements/ - GOV.UK, IPAFFS system
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/import-of-products-animals-food-and-feed-system - NVWA, Export to the UK (plants and fresh produce)
https://www.nvwa.nl/onderwerpen/plant/export-planten-groenten-fruit-plantaardige-producten/naar-vk - NVWA, Export requirements for vegetables and fruit to the UK
https://www.nvwa.nl/documenten/fytosanitair/landeneisen/groente-en-fruit/verenigd-koninkrijk-groente-en-fruit-exporteisen - RVO, UK export rules and certifications
https://www.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/landen-en-gebieden/verenigd-koninkrijk/exportregels-producteisen/certificeringen - NVWA, Postponement of phytosanitary requirements
https://www.nvwa.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/06/03/fytosanitaire-eisen-en-verplichtingen-bij-export-groenten-en-fruit-naar-vk-voorlopig-uitgesteld - evofenedex, postponement of export requirements
https://www.evofenedex.nl/actualiteiten/invoering-fytosanitaire-exporteisen-groente-en-fruit-vk-opnieuw-uitgesteld