Post-Brexit checks on imported goods delayed again

The introduction of post-Brexit checks on food and farming imports to England, Scotland and Wales has been delayed until next year.

The checks were due to come in next month but now won't be introduced until January and July 2022, with the government citing Covid-19 disruption and pressure on global supply chains.

The EU has implemented full checks on UK goods since the start of this year.

Checks on goods going the other way were also due to come into force in full after the post-Brexit transition ended in January.

But they were delayed and, in March, the government announced a timetable to get changes for the food and agriculture sectors done by 1 October.

But the government said that another postponement is now needed.

Raj Kandola (pictured), head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Delaying the checks is a pragmatic step given the issues that businesses will face in the run up to Christmas particularly in relation to supply chain pressures which have been amplified by the fallout from the pandemic.

“However, as our research revealed, local firms are facing acute pressure in relation to border disruption and the knock-on impact this creates on delays and ultimately higher overheads - clearly it is incumbent on both parties to find a long-term solution to this problem.

“For those businesses that are still facing longer term problems in adapting to the current trading landscape, our international team is on hand to provide an array of support on topics such as customs, import procedures and changes to regulation - full details can be found on our website. ”

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