EU import rules ‘not fit for purpose’, says British food industry Policy advisor Peter Hardwick says fresh meat product regulations were designed for long-distance trade and should not apply to the North 18th July, 2021 Peter Hardwick: These rules were designed for long-distance trade with countries on the other side of the world, but they make no sense when the UK is geographically so close to the EU. Picture: Getty The EU’s stringent regulations around rules of origin and veterinary health certs for food imports are “not fit for purpose” for just-in-time supply chains, a British food industry representative has said.