London, UK: After months of speculation, the government has finally confirmed that post-Brexit checks on food coming into the UK from the EU will not be fully introduced until next year. However, industry has questioned whether logistics companies will be able to prepare for the changes in the proposed time frame.
The checks have been delayed by three months and will now be phased in during 2024. The government had said in April that the first set of checks would come into force on 31 October. From 31 January 2024, imports of “medium risk” animal and plant products and “high risk” food of non-animal origin will need to be accompanied by health certificates.
From 30 April 2024, UK customs officers will begin carrying out “risk-based” physical and identity checks on these products at the border, with documentation also required. From 31 October 2024, EU imports will need to be accompanied by safety and security declarations.
The Final Border Target Operation Model says: “In response to this feedback we have decided to push back some of the implementation milestones for the Border Target Operating Model in order to give businesses more time to prepare.”
The government says that the improvements made to the model based on stakeholder feedback will “reduce costs to businesses by around £520m per annum by reducing the complexity and volume of paperwork associated with importing”.
On charging, the government says the proposal is to administer a Common User Charge on each consignment which enters through Port of Dover and Eurotunnel that is eligible for Sanitary and Phytosanitary checks. The charge would apply to all eligible consignments, whether or not they are selected for a Border Control Post inspection. The indicative Common User Charge rate is estimated to be in the region of £20-£43, however final rates will be determined following evaluation of the consultation responses.
Nichola Mallon, head of trade and devolved policy at business group Logistics UK said: “Will three months be sufficient time for government to provide the necessary technical detail and guidance that businesses will need to change processes and adapt to the changes outlined by the new trading arrangements?
“Logistics UK is studying this final model carefully to see if it addresses the concerns expressed by our members and contains the level of operational detail and assurances they, and their EU suppliers, need to make the changes required in that time frame. With so much to adapt to, and such a short time frame available, it is imperative that logistics businesses are given all the detail they need in the initial plan.
“Government needs to provide certainty for business on all the details of the new Border Operating Model, and a workable timeline which will allow sufficient planning and implementation time for those responsible for the UK’s supply chain.
“After so much time, and so many delays, logistics businesses are losing confidence in the government’s ability to provide workable solutions to enable the new trading arrangements to be implemented. Our members need all the detail for how border arrangements are to work, and time to implement the changes – if not, the lack of certainty puts the UK’s supply chain at risk.”
The Road Haulage Association said: “We welcome the Government’s ambition to create the most technologically advanced border in the world, along with any measures that make it quicker and easier for UK hauliers to pass through the border whilst maintaining border security.
“Given the height of these ambitions, and the increased security steps necessary outside of the European Union, we also welcome the longer timeframes for introduction announced today.
“This will help ensure everyone involved in moving goods between countries – border posts, government agencies, importers and exporters – has adequate time to adjust to the new systems.
“It is vital Government now works with ports of entry both at home and overseas to put the infrastructure in place to manage the new border system.”
The Cold Chain Federation has previously welcomed delay to the new regime. “UK food retailers, hospitality businesses and consumers were in line for major disruption because many EU food-producing businesses supplying into the UK are not ready for the new requirements,” said Shane Brennan, chief executive, Cold Chain Federation.
Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, said: “It’s clear, Government has acted upon our concerns and will now implement a unique border approach for the benefit of consumers and industry.
“This focused risk-based approach will reinforce UK biosecurity and promote self-regulation to minimise supply chain disruption.
“Let’s be clear, challenges remain. However, this is a bold step forward to achieve our ambition to become a world-leading destination of choice promoting imports and exports of fantastic fresh produce, and flowers and plants.”
Baroness Neville-Rolfe, a minister of state at the Cabinet Office, said: “Once fully implemented, these important post-Brexit measures will, I believe, bring considerable benefits to the UK economy and to UK trade, and the government stands ready to support businesses through this transition.”
