The UK Government has announced new border controls and procedures confirmed from January 2021.
The UK will not implement full border controls on imports coming into GB from the EU from January 2021. Instead, the UK has taken the decision to introduce the new border controls in three stages until 1 July 2021.
Staggered Implementation
The three stages are as follows:
- From January 2021: Products without import controls will be required to submit import declarations within 6 months of import. Tariffs will be applied t0 all imports; however, payments can be deferred until the full customs declaration has been made. There will be checks on controlled goods like alcohol and tobacco. Businesses will also need to account for VAT on imported goods. There will be physical checks at the point of destination or other approved premises on all high risk live animals and plants.
- From April 2021: All products of animal origin (POAO) – for example meat, pet food, honey, milk or egg products – and all regulated plants and plant products will also require pre-notification through the IPAFFS system and the relevant health documentation.
- From July 2021: Traders moving all goods will have to make declarations at the point of importation and pay relevant tariffs unless using pre-approved customs procedures. Full Safety and Security declarations will be required. Good with SPS checks will be liable to increased physical checks and veterinary samples at GB Border Control Posts (BCPs).
A border operating model will be published in July 2020.
This approach is for GB/EU trade. This approach does not apply to the flow of trade between Northern Ireland and Ireland, or between Northern Ireland and GB which is covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.
Further Announcements:
the Government has committed to building new “inland”border facilities in GB for carrying compliance, transit, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks,
as well as providing targeted support to ports to build new infrastructure.
A further £50m has been announced to support Customs Intermediaries (here)
