The British government announced on Tuesday that it will further delay the implementation of full post-Brexit import controls on goods from the European Union by three months, with the new start date set for January 2024.
Since leaving the EU’s single market in January 2021, the UK government has repeatedly postponed the full implementation of border controls due to concerns about disruptions at ports and the potential impact on the cost of living.
Meanwhile, Brussels has already introduced checks and paperwork for goods coming from Britain into the EU, resulting in delays, higher costs, and difficulties for some businesses to remain competitive.
In April, the UK government had previously stated that health certifications would be required for certain animal products, plants, and food and feed goods from Europe starting October 31.
In a statement, the government explained, “Having listened to the views of industry, the government has agreed to a delay of three months for the introduction of remaining sanitary and phytosanitary controls, as well as full customs controls for non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods.”
Further requirements, including physical checks and safety declarations, will be gradually implemented in 2024. However, the government is also postponing the date for some of these requirements, such as checks on medium risk animal products and plants, by three months to allow businesses enough time to prepare.
The government’s newly published Border Target Operating Model, unveiled on Tuesday, aims to make more efficient use of data and technology while reducing duplication. These improvements are expected to decrease the amount of data and paperwork businesses need to provide when importing goods, resulting in an annual savings of approximately £520 million ($655 million) compared to the original import model, which was scheduled for introduction in 2022.
In addition, the government plans to implement a ‘Single Trade Window’ system to simplify and streamline import and export trade processes, requiring traders to submit information only once.
William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, commented, “Businesses will be pleased with this clarity as they prepare for the challenging shift to a digital trade system. The critical thing is preparedness, as businesses are making investment and supply chain decisions for the long term and need confidence that the physical and digital infrastructure at the GB border will be in place on time.”
(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
