A decade has passed since the UK's decision to leave the European Union, and the financial ramifications for British households are increasingly evident. From the weekly supermarket shop to planning a holiday with a beloved pet, many aspects of daily life have become both more complicated and more expensive, directly impacting the wallets of millions across the country.
One of the most significant areas of impact has been grocery bills. Research from the London School of Economics indicates that trade barriers imposed on food imports post-Brexit contributed to a 12% surge in food costs between 2019 and 2023. This increase is estimated to have cost the average UK family an additional £400 over the period, with lower-income households feeling a disproportionately larger burden due to a greater share of their income being spent on food. The government is working towards a new food export agreement with the EU, which it hopes will mitigate some of these costs and enhance product variety by summer 2027, by removing paperwork and physical checks on certain goods.
For those wishing to travel to EU countries with their pets, the process has undergone a substantial transformation. Prior to Brexit, an EU pet passport, costing approximately £60 for the document itself and around £50 for vaccinations and microchipping, allowed for lifelong travel provided vaccinations were current. Since 2021, this has been replaced by the Animal Health Certificate (AHC). This document, which must be issued within 10 days of entry to the EU and is valid for six months, is required for each trip and costs an average of £230. The British Veterinary Association has highlighted the increased complexity and time involved for vets in issuing these new certificates, contributing to the higher cost. UK residents are also unable to obtain an EU-issued pet passport from an EU vet for travel.
Sending parcels to friends and family in EU member states has also become more intricate and costly. With the end of the EU single market and customs union in late 2020, parcels sent from Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland) to EU countries now necessitate a customs declaration form, detailing contents, value, and an eight-digit code for each item. Recipients may face additional taxes, duties, and clearance fees, particularly for gifts valued over €45. Similarly, importing goods from EU-based online shops into Great Britain can incur VAT and customs duty, collected either at the point of purchase for items under £135 or by the delivery company for higher value goods and gifts exceeding £39.
The cumulative effect of these changes underscores a broader shift in the economic landscape for UK consumers. While the government aims to alleviate some burdens through future agreements, the immediate reality for many is a more expensive and administratively demanding engagement with goods and services linked to the EU.
Practical advice for UK travellers: When planning a trip to the EU with a pet, budget approximately £230 for an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip. Ensure you allow sufficient time for your vet to issue the AHC within 10 days of your planned entry to the EU. For general travel, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date and was issued less than 10 years ago. While most EU countries do not require a visa for short tourist stays, always check the specific entry requirements for your destination via the FCDO travel advice. Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage, especially given potential complexities with healthcare access post-Brexit. Be aware that roaming charges for mobile phones may apply in EU countries, so check with your provider before travelling.
Source: London School of Economics, British Veterinary Association