London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Thursday, Apr 02, 2026

Brexit: Small businesses 'drowning in paperwork' face higher costs

Brexit: Small businesses 'drowning in paperwork' face higher costs

Small businesses importing food and wine from the European Union have warned they are "drowning" in paperwork because of Brexit.

The owners of Gwin Dylanwad wine shop and Ultracomida deli are worried about the future of their businesses because of additional transport costs and bureaucracy since leaving the EU.

Some businesses are concerned this will mean less choice for customers.

Welsh Office Minister David Davies has said things will improve with time.

Ultracomida owner Shumana Palit, who runs food shops and delicatessen specialising in Spanish food in Aberystwyth and Narberth, spent eight hours filling in the forms for one order of wine.

"We are drowning. There is a mountain of paperwork to do," she said.

"There is a cost of course, but it's also incredibly complicated. It's impossible to understand, and there is no help at all."

Ms Palit has challenged the government to fill in a declaration form with her because it is "absolutely impossible".

'Harder and more expensive'


Dylanwad Wine has been importing wine to his shop in Dolgellau in Gwynedd from Europe for nearly 20 years, but owner Dylan Rowlands said that it has become harder and more expensive since January.

"We are already having problems with how long orders are taking to arrive, but more importantly costs have increased," he said.

"I've just placed an order in France and transport costs have increased by 50%. And the cost of the paperwork - and there's a lot more of it - has doubled since last year," he said.

Welsh Office Minister David Davies said: "Obviously we have a new system. In a few weeks I expect people to develop more expertise, so we will see costs and time go down."

Ben Lake, the Plaid Cymru MP for Ceredigion, is concerned about the future of businesses if there is no help from the government.

"It's a difficult system for everyone, but the bigger companies have the legal expertise, whole departments possibly that can spend the substantial amount of time needed to fill in these forms," he said.

"It isn't the same for small businesses. Spending eight hours filling in a statement for one shipment is unbelievable and it isn't sustainable for small businesses."

'Less choice'


Mr Rowlands does not expect things to improve soon. In fact, he is concerned that new rules which come into force in July will make it even harder, if not impossible, for them to purchase wine from small vineyards.

He said they will require a new form for every different type of wine ordered, at a cost of 100 euros each - and is concerned that "costs would increase so much that we won't be able to import wine from this small family."

It is a concern shared by Ms Palit, who believes that customers will end up with less choice.

"What happens to the people selling interesting and new things?" she said.

"You are going to lose that, and you will end up with a homogenous offering, and what will be the point of the high street then?"


Confused by Brexit jargon? Reality Check unpacks the basics.


Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
King Charles III Invited to Address Joint Session of U.S. Congress in Rare Diplomatic Honor
Debate Grows Over Whether Expanded North Sea Drilling Can Reduce UK Energy Bills
UK Faces Heightened Risk of Jet Fuel Shortages, Airline Chief Warns
UK Ends Police Investigations into Lawful Social Media Posts After Review Finds Overreach
Abramovich Moves to Establish Charity for Frozen Chelsea Sale Proceeds Amid UK Dispute
Starmer Reaffirms NATO Commitment While Responding to Trump’s Strategic Critique
UK Aid Reductions Raise Fears of Severe Human Impact Across Parts of Africa
UK Signals Renewed Push for EU Cooperation as Iran Conflict Reshapes Security Landscape
Bank of England Signals Caution as Bailey Advises Markets Against Expecting Rate Hikes
UK to Convene Global Coalition to Restore Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz
Trump Signals Possible NATO Reassessment, Emphasizes Stronger U.S. Strategic Autonomy
Australia Joins British-Led Efforts to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Tensions
King Charles Plans US State Visit as UK Strengthens Ties with Trump Leadership
UK Regulator Launches Investigation Into Microsoft’s Business Software Practices
Kanye West Set for High-Profile Return to UK Stage at Wireless Festival
Trump Presses Europe to Strengthen Commitment as Iran Conflict Escalates
UK to Deploy Additional Troops to Middle East Amid Rising Regional Tensions
UK Authorities Face Claims of Heavy-Handed Measures in Monitoring Released Pro-Palestine Activists
Trump Calls on UK to Secure Its Own Energy as Iran Conflict Intensifies
Nigel Farage Declines Invitation to UK Conservative Conference Led by Liz Truss
Trump Warns Allies to Take Responsibility as Rift Deepens with UK and France Over Iran Conflict
How Britain’s Prime Minister Controls U.S. Bomber Access in Escalating Iran Conflict
Trump Urges Allies to Secure Their Own Oil Supplies as Hormuz Crisis Disrupts Global Energy
Russia Expels British Diplomat as UK Pushes Back Against Pressure
White House App Faces Scrutiny After Claims of Continuous User Location Tracking
BBC Faces Scrutiny Over Allegations of Paid Content Linked to Saudi Arabia
UK-France Coastal Patrol Agreement Nears Breakdown Amid Migration Pressures
UK Police Detain Pro-Palestine Activist Again Weeks After Bail Release
FTSE 100 Advances as Energy and Mining Shares Gain Amid Middle East Tensions
Eli Lilly Seeks UK Pricing Deal to Unlock Renewed Pharmaceutical Investment
Three Arrested in UK After Massive Cocaine Haul Discovered Hidden in Banana Shipment
UK Fuel Prices Poised for Further Surge Amid Global Energy Pressures
Apple Subsidiary Penalized by UK Authorities for Breach of Moscow Sanctions
Western Allies Intensify Coordinated Sanctions Strategy Against Russia
UK Lawmakers Face Criticism Over Renewed Push for Social Media Restrictions
Starmer Signals UK Crackdown on Addictive Social Media Features
Rising Costs Push One in Five UK Hospitality Businesses to the Brink of Closure
Man Arrested on Suspicion of Attempted Murder After Car Strikes Pedestrians in UK, Injuring Seven
Escalating Conflict Involving Iran Tightens Fiscal Pressures and Highlights UK Economic Vulnerabilities
UK Moves to Confront Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Operating in Its Waters
UK Housing Divide Deepens as Older Owners Hold Wealth While Under-30s Face Mounting Barriers
London Demonstration Calls on UK to Recognize Iranian Opposition’s Provisional Government
UK Green Party Vote on ‘Zionism is Racism’ Motion Collapses Amid Internal Disputes and Technical Failures
SNL UK Ignites Debate with Sharp Royal Satire Targeting Prince Andrew and Prince William
EU Proposes ‘Emergency Brake’ to Resolve Deadlock in UK Youth Mobility Talks
Thousands Rally in London to Oppose Rise of Far-Right Movements
Hong Kong Official Rejects Allegations of Surveillance Orders Targeting UK-Based Dissidents
PayPal Expands Cryptocurrency Services to Allow UK Users to Buy and Sell Bitcoin
UK Minister Challenges Reform Party’s ‘Pro-Family’ Agenda as Debate Intensifies
Concerns Grow Over Meningitis Risk Among UK Students Amid Warning Signs of New Outbreaks
×