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May 6, 2022

UK postpones planned additional import controls for EU goods

The British government has done an about-face and decided not to introduce additional customs import controls on EU imports until 2024. We explain what this means for exporting companies from the European Union in this article.

In a published statement by Jacob Rees-Mogg, the UK governmentโ€™s Brexit Opportunities and Efficiency Minister, it was announced that a number of additional import controls on EU goods into the UK, originally scheduled to be introduced from July 1, 2022, have been postponed. The U.K. Cabinet Office said it would be โ€œwrong to impose new administrative requirements on businesses that could pass on the associated costs to consumers who are already under financial pressure.โ€


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In addition, the impact of Russiaโ€™s invasion of Ukraine on supply chains and rising energy costs were factors in the decision to delay the measure, it said. Also to be suspended is the requirement for security declarations when importing goods into the United Kingdom.

The customs controls, which originally were to have taken effect July 1, 2022, include:

  • The requirement for further Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks on EU imports currently at destination to be moved to Border Control Post (BCP).
  • The requirement for safety and security declarations on EU imports.
  • The requirement for further health certification and SPS checks for EU imports.
  • Prohibitions and restrictions on the import of chilled meats from the EU.

The ministerial statement goes on to say that โ€œbusinesses can now stop their preparations for July and a target operating model will be published in the autumn setting out the new import controls at borders, now planned for the end of 2023.โ€

It is important to note in this context that import controls already in place since January 1, 2022 will remain in place.

Always keep track of current Brexit developments with a competent partner at your side. Contact your local Gerlach office now โ€“ we will be happy to support you with your customs matters.

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