Since 1st January 2020, the European Union (EU) has treated imports from the UK as those from a third country, outside the EU. Simultaneously, the UK has established its own trade regulations, distinct from the EU-UK trade agreement.  

The United Kingdom is progressively rolling out its new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) which started on 31^st January 2024. This entails additional customs regulations and inspections for goods exported to the UK, implemented in multiple phases.

Here's a brief overview of the updated regulations and border controls concerning exports to the UK in 2024.  

31^st January 2024: Health Certification

From this date, exporters must secure health certificates for shipments of animal, plant, and plant-based products bound for the UK. Your UK-based clients will require these certificates from you. This requirement applies specifically to products deemed to pose a medium to high risk to human, animal, and environmental health. Examples include:

• Fresh, chilled, or frozen meat and meat products
• Animal feed containing animal derivatives
• Seafood and fishery products
• Other items containing animal derivatives

The UK government has compiled a list specifying which animals and animal products carry medium to high risks, while the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) offers a similar list for plants and plant products.

30^th April 2024: Physical Inspections

Starting 30^th April 2024, British customs authorities will conduct physical inspections on imported goods. The introduction of documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks on medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and HRFNAO from the EU. The Government will also begin to simplify imports from non-EU countries. This will include the removal of health certification and routine checks on low-risk animal products, plants, plant products from non-EU countries as well as reduction in physical and identity check levels on medium-risk animal products from non-EU countries.

These inspections will be conducted at Border Control Posts (BCPs), typically located at UK ports and airports. Annex F of the Border Target Operating Model documentation provides a map of these BCP locations.

31^st October 2024: Safety and Security Declarations

As of 31st October 2024, all EU imports will require a Safety and Security declaration to UK customs. Your carrier will handle this declaration on your behalf, provided you supply the necessary information, including a copy of the health certificate, which can be scanned and submitted as a PDF file.

It's crucial to adapt your export procedures in line with each new implementation stage. For further information get in touch with our specialist Customs Solutions team, who offer expert guidance on the latest customs regulations governing EU-UK goods transportation.

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