COUNCILLORS are being asked to approve an increased charge for food export certificates.

The community alliance committee is being asked to add £10 to the cost of the food export health certificates, to save the council £5,000 a year.

The current charge is £37.50 plus VAT for companies looking to export food to non-EU countries.

Export documentation is issued to provide assurance to the non-EU country importing the food that the product complies with EU food law in the member state where the food is produced or manufactured. 

In West Dunbartonshire the main food businesses exporting are Chivas Brothers and Loch Lomond Distillery, with around 500 certificates requested each year.

As part of a Scottish review of export controls, a working group was established and produced guidance on food export health certificates including certification style and wording to ensure compliance with laws relating to food and better regulation. 

WDC food export health certificate procedure has been reviewed and updated. Costs and prices were compared against other local authorities and the proposed increase to the certificate charge is to better reflect the cost involved.

Around 250 local businesses ask for certificates annually, for exports to 45 non-EU countries. Local authorities charge around £17 to £100 per certificate.

There is a risk that the estimated income may not be achieved due to a decrease in demand for certificates, however this will be driven by the current export market which is out with the control of the council.