Our BREXIT Bites Series gives you a bite sized taste of upcoming changes that may affect your business.

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So what are Border Control Posts and why do they matter?

Certain goods as they move from country to country are subject to regulatory checks and controls to ensure they are compliant for sale in the intended market. While the UK has been within the EU, it has benefited from the free movement of goods without those checks and controls. Upon exiting the EU, this will change.

Goods will soon need to be routed via suitably equipped Border Control Posts (BCPs) where checks and controls will need to take place before products enter or exit the UK. Additionally, pre-notification information (warning customs what’s coming and when), will be required to prevent delays, unexpected costs or rejection of goods. It will no longer be a simple matter to import or export goods between the UK and the EU.

The UK govt announced that checks and controls on EU imports will be phased in over a 6-month period. From 1st April 2021, products of animal origin (POAO) will require the pre-notification and provision of health documentation. From 1st July, all goods are liable for tariffs and full customs declarations, as well as increases in regulatory compliance checks and physical inspections for phytosanitary purposes. The EU has not announced a ‘phase in’ approach like this, meaning UK imports into the EU may be subject to these increased measures starting from January 1st 2021.

While further details are yet to come one thing is certain, it will be critical to be fully confident in your compliance to support ease of entry.