The delayed third phase of Britain's border regime for imports from the European Union comes into force today - four years after leaving the single market and nine years after the Brexit referendum, Reuters reports, quoted by News.bg.
After Brexit, Britain faced serious challenges in managing supply chains and introducing customs borders, which led to the phased imposition of the new rules.
The first phase of the new border model, introduced in January 2023, required additional certification for certain goods. The second phase, which began in April, imposed physical checks on products such as meat, fish, cheese, eggs and dairy products, as well as new fees.
The third phase, originally planned for October 31, 2023, starts today. It requires companies importing goods from the EU to provide a safety and security declaration - detailed information about the products being transported.
According to authorities, the new requirements will improve risk management by reducing the likelihood of legitimate goods being delayed at the border. This is expected to minimise disruption to businesses while also curbing the import of illegal and dangerous products.
Companies have been warned that declarations must be submitted before the goods arrive to avoid unnecessary checks and possible penalties. While large retailers and leading exporters have the resources to comply with the new rules, smaller businesses have criticised them as too complex and burdensome.
Plans to expand physical checks on fruit and vegetables have been repeatedly delayed, with the latest delay pushing them back to July 1, 2024.
Last week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was prepared to consider a proposal by European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič for the UK to join a pan-European customs scheme. However, she stressed that this did not mean a return to the EU customs union, which the Labour government has already abandoned.