Ashford Port Health has reported an 8% reduction in sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) fees as investment in technology and specialist expertise develops.
Importers using Ashford Port Health (APH) will see the 8% reduction in SPS fees from 1st August, which it said will potentially save businesses around £1.2 million over the coming year.
Common Health Entry Document (CHED) charges for consignments up to six tonnes will be reduced from £68 to £63, with charges for additional tonnes reduced from £11 to £10 and transit consignments reduced from £113 to £104.
The reductions come following a decision by Ashford Port Health to hold fees at 2025/26 levels despite inflationary pressures. This was part of its goal to absorb rising costs rather than pass them on to importers, delivering £1.3 million in savings. Together, the two decisions aim to deliver around £2.5 million in savings compared with what fees would otherwise have been.
The latest reduction in charges was said to reflect a “sustained programme of investment” in digital technology, smarter processes and workforce development at Ashford Port Health, who operate at Sevington BCP in Kent.
Anthony Baldock, corporate director of health & wellbeing at Ashford Borough Council, commented: “From the beginning, our ambition has been to build a modern border control service that protects the public while allowing legitimate trade to move as efficiently as possible.
“By investing in technology, smarter processes and a highly skilled workforce, we have improved productivity and can now pass those efficiencies directly back to businesses through lower fees.
“Our experience at Sevington has shown that a smarter border is a stronger border. Better information and better risk insight help our officers apply the right control at the right time, protecting public health and biosecurity while reducing unnecessary delays for compliant businesses. Technology does not replace professional judgement, it supports it.
“As executive board chair of the Association of Port Health Authorities, I believe this is the future of border controls. At Ashford Port Health, we are leading the way in showing how smarter borders can deliver stronger protection, lower costs for businesses and better outcomes for everyone.”
