U.K. delays planned import controls on EU goods until 2023

The U.K. will delay the introduction of planned checks on imports from the European Union until the end of next year, its latest attempt to stave off inflation on consumer goods.

That decision comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged ministers to find ways of curbing cost of living increases for consumers. Ongoing disruption to supply chains caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the global energy crisis, Brexit and the pandemic have sent inflation to the highest in 30 years.

Johnson’s government is responding after criticism by consumer groups that not enough has been done to curb soaring prices. The Bank of England warned in March that inflation could hit double digits this year as soaring energy bills hit the poorest in particular.

The government will also review the import control plans so that they can be improved upon, according to a statement on Thursday, after it concluded that delaying the checks would save importers at least 1 billion pounds ($1.25 billion) in annual costs. It’s the fourth time the measures have been delayed.

While British exports to the EU have been subject to post-Brexit checks since January 2020, the U.K. originally allowed for a grace period for checks on imports that has now been extended four times.