PFMA raises alarm bells over EU export challenges
The association found that in a survey of PFMA memberships, it exposed a ‘myriad’ of problems as well as highlighting that only one-third of businesses that had ‘attempted exports’ to the EU had been successful
Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) has raised alarm bells over the “severe” challenges faced by pet food businesses exporting to the EU.
The association found that in a survey of PFMA memberships, it exposed a “myriad” of problems as well as highlighting that only one-third of businesses that had “attempted exports” to the EU had been successful.
The UK pet food industry is reportedly valued at £3bn, in 2019 exported £285m of pet food to the EU versus £45m to the rest of the world.
The association claimed that with exports being “hugely important” to the industry, businesses are “being harmed”.
PFMA member, World Feeds Ltd, stated that whilst it had successfully exported to the US, it had come up against “numerous barriers” trying to move products into the EU from 01 January.
Michael Bellingham, PFMA chief executive, said: “We have come against red tape, vet shortages and hauliers refusing to accept animal-based products in case they are stopped at the border.
“Many official veterinarians are unwilling to take on the extra work of certifying animal by-product consignments because they were not confident about what was required.”
