We would like to inform you that the UK Government announced today a revised timetable for the introduction of post-Brexit controls on imports from the EU. The Government has decided to postpone some elements of the new controls, especially those relating to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) goods including:

  • The requirement for pre-notification of agri-food imports will be introduced on 1 January 2022 as opposed to 1 October 2021.
  • The new requirements for Export Health Certificates, which were due to be introduced on 1 October 2021, will now be introduced on 1 July 2022.
  • Phytosanitary Certificates and physical checks on SPS goods at Border Control Posts, due to be introduced on 1 January 2022, will now be introduced on 1 July 2022.
  • The requirement for Safety and Security declarations on imports will be introduced as of 1 July 2022 as opposed to 1 January 2022.

Please note that the timetable for the removal of the current easements in relation to full customs controls and the introduction of customs checks remains unchanged from the planned 1 January 2022.

The UK Government will provide full guidance to stakeholders on the GOV.UK website shortly.

While the extended timetable provides some easements for supply chains, especially in the agri-food sector, CLECAT continues to stress the importance for businesses to make all necessary preparations and use the additional time to avoid rather than delay additional disruptions at the EU-UK border. Likewise, authorities need to ensure remaining gaps in information are filled as soon as possible to allow businesses to properly prepare for the new requirements.