The number of accredited testing firms on the government’s official list of providers for international travel has risen to 68.
The increase comes as the health secretary this week vowed to clampdown on ‘cowboy’ companies misleading customers on the price of PCR tests for travel.
Despite the rise, the number of accredited firms is still a fraction of the 398 testing companies on the day 2 list, and 403 on the day 2 and day 8 list at gov.uk.
Earlier this month, transport select committee chair Huw Merriman flagged that just 25 of the then-415 testing firms listed on the government’s website were accredited.
As part of the government clampdown, health secretary Sajid Javid confirmed 82 private testing firms had been handed a ‘two-strike’ warning and could be removed. A further 57 were removed as they either no longer exist or do not provide day 2 and day 8 testing
Commenting on the clampdown, Abta urged government to ensure testing is “proportionate to the level of risk” noting “successful vaccine roll outs in the UK and many of our most popular overseas holiday destinations”.
The association called for “significant movement” on the issue at the next review of travel requirements in October.
A spokesperson said: “While it is welcome that the government is finally taking action, charges in the UK remain significantly higher here than in other countries.”
Aito led criticism of the government’s failure to vet the companies listed on its website yesterday after Javid confirmed the clampdown.
Private test prices listed on the government site range from £20 to £399 while NHS tests for international arrivals were reduced on August 13 from £88 to £68.