Revised timetable for the introduction of import border controls

Date: Thursday 18 March 2021

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A new timetable for introducing import border control processes will enable UK businesses to focus on their recovery from the COVID pandemic. The government will now introduce full border control processes, six months later than originally planned.

From 1 October 2021:
• Pre-notification requirements will be required for products of animal origin, high risk food not of animal origin (HRFNAO) and certain animal by products.
• Health certificates will be required for products of animal origin and certain animal by-products.

From 1 January 2022:
• Safety and Security declarations for imported goods will be required.
• Physical SPS checks for products of animal origin, certain animal by-products, HRFNAO and high risk plants, will take place at Border Control Posts.
• Prenotification requirements and documentary checks, including phytosanitary certificates, will be introduced for low risk plants and plant products.
• Customs declarations on all goods will be required at the point of import, and businesses will no longer be able to use the deferred declaration scheme.

From 1 March 2022:
• Checks at Border Control Posts will take place on live animals, low risk plants and plant products.

Traders moving controlled goods into Great Britain will continue to be ineligible for the deferred customs declaration approach. They will therefore be required to complete a full customs declaration, when the goods enter Great Britain.

For more information on the announcement, click here.

For a step-by-step guide on importing goods into the UK, click here.

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