Government sets out new timetable for introducing import border control processes

A new timetable for introducing import border control processes has been set out by the government to “enable UK businesses to focus on their recovery.”

The government says it's listened to businesses who have faced an unprecedented challenge throughout the pandemic and it will now introduce full border control processes on 1 January 2022, six months later than originally planned.

This will give you businesses with further time for you to prepare for changes at the border and minimise disruption because the economy gradually reopens.

Cabinet Office Minister Lord Frost of Allenton said: “Like a sovereign trading nation outside the EU, we've freedom to take decisions in our national interest – and in the interest of our businesses.

“We will now introduce border controls broadly 6 months later than planned to give traders time to focus on getting back on their feet as the economy opens up after a difficult year.

“We're confident that this new timetable will allow import businesses to re-establish their trading arrangements after a difficult period due to coronavirus, within the most straightforward and lightest touch way possible.”

The revised timetable for the introduction of controls is really as follows:

• Pre-notification requirements for Products of Animal Origin (POAO), certain animal by-products (ABP), and Risk Food Not Of Animal Origin (HRFNAO) won't be required until 1 October 2021. Export Health Certificate requirements for POAO and certain ABP can come into force on the same date.
• Customs import declarations will still be required, but the option to use the deferred declaration scheme, including submitting supplementary declarations up to six months after the goods have been imported, has been extended to 1 January 2022.
• Safety and Security Declarations for imports won't be required until 1 January 2022.
• Physical SPS checks for POAO, certain ABP, and HRFNAO won't be required until 1 January 2022. At that point they will take place at Border Control Posts.
• Physical SPS checks on high risk plants will take place at Border Control Posts, instead of at the place of destination as now, from 1 January 2022.
• Pre-notification requirements and documentary checks, including phytosanitary certificates will be required for low risk plants and plant products, and will be introduced from 1 January 2022.
• From March 2022, checks at Border Control Posts will require place on live animals and low risk plants and plant products.