Important information about upcoming border controls in the UK!
Important information about upcoming UK border controls!.
On 19 April, it was reported that health and safety controls on imports of goods from the EU will not be 'switched on' as planned, i.e. from 30 April 2024. Derfa's press office warns that this information is not true - the controls, as announced, will start from 30 April!
The UK government is fully confident that the facilities, infrastructure and systems at the border will be ready for 30 April, when the new border controls are implemented.
Priority for physical inspections from day one will be given to the highest risk commodities, and port health authorities will carry out documentary checks on consignments of all risk levels and will contact traders when in doubt. Checks will be increased to the full level in a reasonable and controlled manner.
A UK Government spokesperson said:
"Controls start from 30 April and, as we have always said, medium and high-risk commodities posing the greatest biosecurity risk are prioritised as we build up to a full level of control and a high level of compliance. The pragmatic approach to the introduction of our new border controls minimises disruption, protects our biosecurity and benefits everyone - especially traders.
We have worked extensively with companies over the past year and our approach has been welcomed by several trade associations and port authorities. We will continue to work with and support companies throughout this process to maintain a smooth flow of imported goods.
We are confident that we have sufficient capacity and capability at all entry points to handle the volume and type of controls expected. It is important to remember that the cost of our border controls is negligible compared to the impact of a major outbreak on our economy and farmers.
Our approach strikes the right balance between protecting the UK from biosecurity risks and facilitating trade. We will continually review our approach to enforcement, tracking levels of compliance to protect biosecurity and food safety while minimising disruption to trade flows. Our approach to enforcement will be graded to help traders comply with regulations. This is due to the extensive involvement of companies - including regular contact to contact 30,000 importers for up-to-date information, conduct more than 50 webinars for thousands of companies and work with major supermarkets and their suppliers to provide training."
Source:
https://deframedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/19/coverage-about-upcoming-border-checks/
