Contact us Global reach Search Insights Services Industries Meet our people Careers About us Locations News centre Insights Prepare for full customs controls for trade with the EU ARTICLE Prepare for full customs controls for trade with the EU Karen Robb 01 Nov 2021 The UK government has published and recently updated the Border Operating Model (BOM) to lay out new customs and border requirements and procedures for goods imported from or exported to the EU. Despite the delay in full control for some products, the widest impacts are going to be felt by the majority of businesses on 1 January 2022. Karen Robb and Nicola Haynes explain what you need to know about customs checks after Brexit. To allow trade time to prepare for the new procedures, the government set out a staged timetable for introduction of all the border controls, including temporary easements on customs declaration, was set out in July 2021. A revised timetable was announced on the 14 September and 18 November 2021. Businesses should now be preparing for the end of those temporary easements in 2022. While it's not a requirement, it is anticipated that most businesses will use the services of a specialist intermediary, such as a customs broker to complete the necessary border declarations. It's vitally important that all importers and exporters are fully aware of the revised border requirements, as responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided in the declarations remains with you. The transition to full border controls - what's happened so far? To help you prepare for these changes, here's a recap of what's happened so far. There’s now a requirement for full export declarations for goods moved from the UK to the EU Optional easement for importers to allow Import declarations from the EU to be delayed by up to 175 days for most goods. No prior approval is needed, but businesses must retain sufficient detail in commercial for the complete declaration to be submitted within this timeframe Existing import declaration processes can be used (i.e those currently available for rest-of-the-world imports) Optional postponed import VAT accounting introduced to alleviate cash flow burden of paying and reclaiming import VAT Requirement for exit summary declarations for empty containers and pallets not requiring full export declarations introduced 1 Oct 2021. What's coming next year? The next first set of big changes will be introduced in January, with further requirements updates in the summer. These are the key requirements you need to look out for. January 2022 The current easements on full customs controls will be removed, and customs checks will be introduced. Prior notification of agri-food imports will be required, but how soon before shipment this is needed time limits for this will vary depending on transport route. The temporary easement for the requirement to hold supplier declarations (where required) prior to issuing statements on origin for export to the EU will also cease for businesses using the EU-EU trade agreement. Suppliers' declarations will usually be necessary where you purchase goods for onward sale unaltered, or you need evidence of the originating status of production inputs to calculate the origin of your goods. July 2022 Phytosanitary certificates and physical checks on some but not all sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) goods will be introduced at specific border control posts. There will be new requirements for export health certificates for animal and plant products. and also for safety and security declarations for all imports will also become mandatory - this is a pre-notification usually provided by the haulier or shipper. September 2022 Full certification and examination of dairy produce subjects to SPS controls has been further delayed until September instead of the planned date of July 2022. November 2022 There are additional delays for the last remaining goods subject to SPS controls to require certification and physical checks. This applies to the remaining products of animal origin including composite products containing meat (pizza, pies, and ready meals etc), fish and fish products. What should you do now? Some of the easements will end on December 2021, so we strongly recommend that to ensure supply chain continuity in the new year, you, along with your suppliers and transport operators are fully prepared for the new border requirements and make suitable arrangements in advance of these changes. If you've been using the delayed declaration easement you must decide how full customs declarations will be made from 1 January 2022. You may want to consider using a customs intermediary to make declarations on your behalf if you do not already have one. You need to understand the requirements of your specific supply chain as border processes can vary depending on the mode of transport used and the specific port or airport where the goods arrive in the UK. Make sure that relevant personnel within your businesses supply chain, customs and tax function are coordinated, aware of the changes, and whether they need to take any action. You also need to make sure your suppliers and hauliers are aware of the changes. To submit import declarations in a timely manner, you need to have the required customs information on your goods in advance. You will be expected to provide your customs intermediary with your EORI number together with information on the type of goods:, their quantity, value, weights, country of origin, and any certifications etc. Your intermediary will advise you of their exact requirements. Import entries can be lodged up to three weeks prior to the goods being shipped, giving plenty of time to obtain the requested information. Be aware that If you are using some of the short straight routes, eg, Calais-Dover, UK import declarations may need to be submitted prior to the ferry sailing. If you import food, plants, and animal products you’ll notice the biggest changes. It’s important to ensure you have all the required registrations and systems access to provide the necessary notifications to the appropriate border agency. This is a separate requirement in addition to the customs declaration. If you would like to discuss any aspect of customs checks after Brexit, or get guidance on the requirements for specific goods, contact Karen Robb. 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