Brexit: New British customs import checks pushed back
The UK government has set out a revised timetable for introducing import border control processes following the end of the Brexit transition period.
British customs were initially set to introduce the new import checks in three stages with phases two and three due to take effect from 1 April and the 1 July 2021.
However, this has now been pushed back to a later date with pre-notification requirements for products of animal origin and high-risk foods not of animal origin, being delayed from 1 April until the 1 October 2021.
Most of the new import controls will now be implemented from 1 January 2022, including physical sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) inspections on animal products and food products considered high risk.
This will take place at designated Border Control Posts, along with physical SPS checks on high risk plants from this point onwards.
Traders will also be able to continue submitting deferred customs declarations (for non-controlled goods) until the start of next year, which gives firms up to six months after the goods have been imported to submit a full customs declaration.
Checks on live animals and low risk plants will take place at Border Control Posts from March 2022.
Raj Kandola, Head of Policy at the GBCC said: “Recent feedback gathered from our members offered sharp insight into the range of issues that businesses are facing right now as they adapt to the post Brexit landscape and we frequently hear about the increased costs and administrative burden that 's been placed on firms importing from the European Union.
“The temporary reprieve offered in relation to import checks will offer some much needed breathing space and help reduce short term disruption - the challenge for Government now is to use this time wisely and embed the infrastructure required to make the process less time consuming and ultimately ease the cost pressures that firms up and down the country are facing right now.
“Whilst we appreciate there are always likely to be teething problems in adapting to change of such magnitude, problems of this kind will persist unless both the UK and the European Union act in a grown up fashion and tackle the underlying issues at the heart of the current trade agreement - otherwise, it 's businesses that will bare the brunt of suffering. ”
Click here for full details on the government 's new timetable for introducing import controls.
The GBCC is running a series of webinars and training courses to support businesses as they adapt to the new trading arrangements with the EU. Our next webinar will take place on 22 April and will look at the upcoming changes to EU VAT rules and the steps UK businesses will need to take to comply. Click here for further information and to register.