The remaining import controls on EU goods will no longer be
introduced this year, the government has announced today.
Instead, traders will continue to move their goods from the
European Union to Great Britain as they do now.
Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and the recent rise in
global energy costs, have had a significant effect on supply
chains that are still recovering from the pandemic.
The government has therefore concluded that it would be wrong to
impose new administrative requirements on businesses who may
pass-on the associated costs to consumers already facing
pressures on their finances.
The change in approach is expected to save British importers at
least £1 billion in annual costs.
The Government will now review how to implement these remaining
controls in an improved way. The new Target Operating Model will
be based on a better assessment of risk and will harness the
power of data and technology. It will be published in the Autumn
and the new controls regime will come into force at the end of
2023.
This process will build on existing work already taking place as
part of the 2025 Border Strategy,
including on the UK Single Trade Window – a new digital platform
that will help traders to more easily move goods globally. Our
goal is to create a seamless new ‘digital’ border, where
technologies and real-time data will cut queues and smooth
trade.
The controls introduced in January 2021 on the highest risk
imports of animals, animal products, plants and plant products
will continue to apply alongside the customs controls which have
already been introduced.
Minister for Brexit Opportunities, said:
“Today’s decision will allow British businesses to focus on their
recovery from the pandemic, navigate global supply chain issues
and ensure that new costs are not passed on to consumers.
“It’s vital that we have the right import controls regime in
place, so we’ll now be working with industry to review these
remaining controls so that they best suit the UK’s own interests.
“We want the process for importing goods from the EU to be safe,
secure and efficient and we want to harness innovative new
technologies to streamline processes and reduce frictions. It’s
precisely because of Brexit that we’re able to build this
UK-focussed system”
The UK Government is committed to ensuring the process for
importing goods remains safe, secure and efficient and will
harness innovative new technologies to streamline future
processes and reduce frictions.
Our engagement with industry will be guided by these objectives,
and will build on existing work already taking place, including
on the UK Single Trade Window – a new digital gateway that will
help traders to more easily move goods globally.
John Keefe, Director of Public Affairs. Eurotunnel said:
“Eurotunnel supports this decision which will keep goods flowing
seamlessly into the UK. It is good for traders as it reduces
import declaration paperwork on food and perishables.
“It is good for transporters as it increases fluidity at the
border and it is good for consumers as it keeps the cost of
living down.”
Michael Schymik, International Director of SEF Langdon's said:
"The current paper-based SPS processes and procedures are
unsuitable in a 21st century digital world.
"This change in policy towards a smarter digital border by the UK
Government will allow the free flow of safe food products into
Great Britain.
"The decision may lead to a return of more EU companies exporting
to the GB market, increasing competition and ultimately lowering
prices for the consumer."
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
Controls no longer being introduced for EU goods July 2022 are:
-
A requirement for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks
currently at destination to be moved to a Border Control Post
(BCP)
-
A requirement for safety and security declarations on EU
imports
-
A requirement for health certification for further SPS
imports
-
A requirement for SPS goods to be presented at a BCP
-
Prohibitions and restrictions on the import of chilled meats
from the EU
