Revised timetable for import border control
In a move which allows UK businesses to focus on their recovery from COVID rather than adapting to new border control processes, the timetable for the introduction of import border control processes has been updated. These changes include delays to sanitary and phytosanitary checks on plant and plant products imported from EU to GB which were previously scheduled for introduction later this year.
Currently, only high-priority plants and plant products are required to be accompanied by phytosanitary certificates into the country, whilst documentary, identity and physical checks have been carried out at Places of Destination. Checks at Places of Destination was presented as a short-term solution until border control posts were fully operational in summer 2021.
As a result of the revised timetable, physical and identity checks on high priority plants and plant products will not move from places of destination to border control posts until January 2022. At the same time, the requirement for pre-notification and phytosanitary certificates will be extended to all regulated plants and plant products – i.e. not just those which are high priority.
From March 2022 the capacity of the UK’s border infrastructure will be operational, meaning all regulated plants and plant products will be subject to physical and identity checks at border control posts.
Further reading:
Government announcement in full