New law: British businesses plan for controls on import of EU goods to GB

The timetable includes the following:

• From 31 October 2023 health and/or phytosanitary certificates will be required for medium-risk animal products such as such as meat, dairy and fish; plants; plant products; and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin
• From 31 January 2024, documentary checks and risk-based identity and physical checks (estimated to be carried out in up to 30% of cases) will also apply to those products
• From 31 October 2024, full safety and security declarations are planned for all types of goods

There will be separate engagement with, and guidance for, businesses in Northern Ireland on the new arrangements under the Windsor Framework.

Operative date

• October 2023

Recommendation

• Businesses involved in importing EU agri-food and feed products into Great Britain should download The Border Target Operating Model draft and start preparing for the new regime now.
• Preparations should include liaising with EU suppliers to organise who will compete and pay for the increased administration, predicting and planning for possible disruptions and late deliveries, and reviewing joint transport arrangements to ensure dissimilar goods do not slow an entire load down.