The Government has published an updated list of companies that have reported packaging EPR data – available online here.

This list takes account of submissions up to 14 May 2024, and highlights a very significant number of companies missing from it, including many prominent large producers.

Defra have asked that we share the following link with members which contains the key information that obligated producers will need when submitting their packaging data: Report packaging data under the new EPR for Packaging regulations

Defra will continue to highlight this obligation via their social media accounts, throughout forums and newsletters.

They will also continue to publish and refresh weekly, a public list of the large producers who have submitted data.

Organisations that are obligated under the new EPR regulations must report their 2023 packaging data to the regulator no later than 31 May 2024. After this point, regulators may take enforcement action against them.

Failure to comply with regulatory requirements may result in enforcement by the regulators and we have learnt that there is absolutely no leeway beyond 31st May 2024 for any non-compliant obligated company to not be subject to some form of enforcement action. Enforcement actions include advice and guidance, a warning letter, a formal caution and in the last resort, prosecution.

If any company has issues, please contact the EPR Helpline on 0300 060 0002 or email EPRCustomerService@defra.gov.uk

In December 2023, Government announced its intention to create a new unit within the Department for Business and Trade. – the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI).

The purpose of this new unit will be to improve the implementation and enforcement of trade controls and sanctions, including those against Russia. OTSI will support UK businesses in compliance with UK trade sanctions, investigate potential breaches, issue penalties, and where necessary refer cases to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for criminal enforcement.

To support and facilitate a better understanding of what OTSI will do, and how they will work with their partners across Whitehall, the Department for Business and Trade are running a webinar on Thursday 30th May, 10:00-11:30 BST.

Please click the link below to register: Webinar:

‘Introduction to the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI)’

The key topics covered will include:

• HMG’s trade sanctions strategy
• Guidance & Outreach
• Compliance and enforcement
• Third country movements and circumvention

During the session you will have the opportunity to ask questions and raise any issues relevant to your sector. You can read more about OTSI here

Please see the statement below, issued this week from the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA):

The FSA and Food Standards Scotland are aware of reports of a highly pathogenic influenza of avian origin, also known as bird flu, outbreak in cattle and dairy the USA.

As is our usual practice when new information becomes available, we have re-assessed the food safety risk for UK consumers. Our latest risk assessment (which includes emerging evidence from the US) has concluded the risk from influenza of avian origin in US dairy products to UK consumers is Very Low. The new Rapid Risk Assessment is published on food.gov.uk: Rapid Risk Assessment: Risk to UK consumers from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 B3.13 in US dairy products | Food Standards Agency

Previous FSA risk assessments can be found here:

https://www.food.gov.uk/research/risk-assessment-of-acquiring-avian-influenza-from-poultry-products-executive-summary

We are working with Defra, the UKHSA and international experts in monitoring the situation, assessing the emerging information, and continuing to protect UK consumers and will update you as the situation develops.

As many of you will be aware, over the last weekend, a technical issue impacted Defra digital services.

One of the systems affected is ALVS (Automatic Licence Verification System), the system required to process the imports of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controlled goods.

Defra inform us that they are working at pace to get the systems back online.

They are also stating that there have been no significant delays to border checks, however based on industry feedback at Defra led forums, this does not appear to be the case.

We are informed that contingency arrangements have been put in place for the clearance of affected vehicles and consignments at the border, working alongside HMRC and Border Force.  However, we are yet to be told the finer detail of what that involves.

As it stands, Defra state that “Exceptionally, we are instructing SPS cleared goods to be removed from border locations and taken to their destination. Customs declarations will be finalised in HMRC systems as soon as possible”.

In the meantime, Defra are urging businesses not to contact the HMRC National Clearance Hub, but to continue to check their customs declaration in CDS for updates on any customs holds.

IPAFFS continues to be operational and available to traders to raise notifications of imports and associated documentation. Businesses are required to continue to comply with the new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) SPS controls.

Businesses with urgent enquiries about the import of goods should continue to contact their Port Health Authority (PHA) or the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) at their nominated point of entry.

Contact points for urgent BTOM queries:

Any urgent BTOM/import queries for plants and plant products across England & Wales should be directed to the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), by email, in the first instance: phsi-importers@apha.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can contact them by telephone: +44 (0) 3000 200 301

Any urgent BTOM/import queries for animal products should be directed to the Port Health Authority (PHA) at your nominated Border Control Post (BCP).    Find your PHA contact details at your nominated BCP on this map.   

If you need technical help with IPAFFS you should call the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) helpline on 0330 041 6999 or email APHAServiceDesk@apha.gov.uk

Defra are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible and will communicate further once a resolution is found.

Kantar data shared with the British Frozen Food Federation shows shifting consumer preferences amidst the backdrop of persistent food inflation. The latest findings, covering 52 weeks to 17 March 2024, indicate a modest 0.1% increase in the volume of frozen food sales, alongside notable consumer behaviour trends.

In response to ongoing food inflation challenges, consumers continue to turn to own-label products, in place of established brands. In the same 52-week period, total private label volumes have increased by 2.2 percentage points against a -3.7 drop in total branded volume. Discount retailers are witnessing a surge in both volume and value, as budget-conscious consumers switch from three of the big four supermarkets, seeking more affordable alternatives. This significant shift is evident across the market spectrum, highlighting that consumers continue to prioritise value amidst economic uncertainty.

However, upmarket retailers such as M&S have experienced a marginal rise in frozen food sales within the broader shift towards own-label products. This nuanced trend suggests a continued demand for value even in a premium environment, indicating opportunities for retailers to capitalise on evolving consumer preferences and increase their frozen offering.

“While food inflation remains a persistent challenge, we are witnessing a notable change in consumer behaviour,” remarked Rupert Ashby, CEO of BFFF. “The data reflects a shift towards value-driven purchases, with consumers increasingly prioritising affordability without sacrificing quality. Volume share increases of 0.8 and 0.6 percentage points for Lidl and Aldi and a decline of -0.6 and -0.8 for Morrisons and Asda over the 52 week period show where the most change is happening. Sainsbury’s is bucking that trend with a 52 week increase of 0.6 in volume sales.”

Moving to the last quarter, the frozen food sector has disappointingly encountered a decline, with the exception of savoury products, which have experienced sustained demand (+3.1% volume) over the 12 weeks to 17 March 2024. However, basket sizes are shrinking across the board with total grocery volume dropping by -0.8% over this period.

Mr Ashby added: “With the national minimum wage on the rise and the rate of inflation now slowing down, consumers can anticipate a potential reprieve on the financial struggles of the last few years. As economic conditions stabilise, we anticipate a resurgence in consumer spending power, presenting new opportunities for frozen food manufacturers.

“Yet this is somewhat of a double-edged sword. More expensive labour in an already stretched market means that manufacturing costs will rise, and this will likely be passed on to the consumer in the price of the product. Global conflicts continue to cause market disruption so we’re a long way from being out of the woods yet.”

The Kantar data showed that the overall grocery market experienced a 5.0% increase in value over the last quarter. However, when read alongside the decreasing volume stats, it’s clear that consumers are paying more for less. Within specific categories, a significant surge in the value of frozen potato products was recorded (+11%), indicating notable price changes in this category. This spike can be attributed to supply issues as poor weather has led to lower yields1.