The European Union (EU) introduced full import checks on goods arriving from Great Brain (GB) from the 1 January 2021.

However, GB has again delayed the phase-in of checks to allow businesses to prepare for the increase in paperwork and for government to put in place the IT systems and port infrastructure required.

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The new timetable foresees the following stages:

Since 1 January 2021 – Full Customs declarations for excise goods. Simplified Customs requirements for “standard goods” with traders able to keep records of their imports and defer full Customs declarations for up to six months but no later than end-2021.

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From 1 October 2021 – All Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS)imports to GB must be pre-notified into the UK Import of Products Animals, Food and Feed Systems (IPAFFS) system. Physical checks may occur at destination.

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From 1 January 2022 – Physical SPS checks on high-risk products of animal origin will take place at BorderControl Posts, rather than at the place of destination.

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From 1 March 2022 – Checks at Border Control Posts will take place on live animals (including fish).

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