Brexit red tape all set to break hearts on Valentine’ s Day

Florists, wine-sellers and gift companies are struggling to import Valentine’s Day products due to postBrexit customs rules.

New customs rules came into force on January 1 and experts have described Valentine’s Day as the “first proper test” of post-Brexit supply chains.

HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) now require a new code to clear goods at customs, but some importers say they were not told and UK firms face disruption as a result.

Wine wholesaler Daniel Lambert Wines said it has had problems landing a major shipment from the EU this week despite being a trusted importer registered with HMRC. Mr Lambert said: “HMRC rule changes that kicked in at the start of this year, plus new import codes coming online without sufficient notice, were the cause.

“HMRC is not sharing information well enough and if we, as a relatively big importer who gets their paperwork in order weeks in advance, are getting caught out like this, I’m sure the problems are magnified for smaller importers and any importer that relies on ‘just in time’ delivery.”

Richard Bartlett, supply chain expert, said some firms are being caught out after losing their “safety net” at the start of the year.

“This Valentine’s Day will be the first large-scale consumer event in the UK since new customs declarations rules kicked in on January 1 2022,” he said.

“Up until January 1, the full effects of trading with the EU after Brexit have been partially mitigated by a 175-day grace period for customs entries.

Other small UK-based businesses have reported disruption to products needed for Valentine’s Day.

Maureen Glen, who runs Blossoms Florist in Lanarkshire, said paperwork delays have held up packaging.

She said: “One of the main issues my business has faced isn’t so much the actual flowers but the availability of sundries – wrapping materials, baskets, gift boxes and ribbons.

“The stock isn’t getting through.”

Rosebie Morton, founder and flower farmer at Real Flowers, has also had problems.

She said: “Valentine’s Day is always tricky in terms of supply but it is especially difficult this year as there has been huge volatility in flower prices due to Brexit and massive demand for freight.

“Planes are being redirected to whichever country is paying the most and high value cargo such as computer chips are taking priority.”

Elsewhere, Julie Pearson, owner of Cloudberry Gifts in Edinburgh, said some retailers are relying on leftover stock from last year.

RED ALERT: Valentine’s Day is seen as the first big test of post-Brexit customs rules, and retailers are not optimistic.