With the introduction of stricter regulations, businesses must now submit detailed declarations about the products being transported. HM Revenue and Customs aims to use this data for smarter border controls, reducing delays for legitimate goods and preventing illegal items from entering the UK.

Five years after Britain voted to leave the EU’s single market and customs union, the third phase of the post-Brexit border regime officially kicks off. This phase, which was delayed from October 2024, requires businesses moving goods from the EU to Britain to comply with new safety and security declaration requirements.

The third phase of Britain’s post-Brexit border regime has officially begun, five years after the country voted to leave the EU’s single market and customs union, a decision that has led to significant shifts in trade, security, and customs procedures between the UK and EU. With the start of the delayed phase, businesses moving goods from the EU to Britain must now comply with new safety and security declaration requirements.

This phase was delayed from October 31 of last year. In October, the UK government had extended a waiver on safety and security certificates for goods entering Britain from the EU until January 31, 2025. However, with the start of this third phase, businesses must now ensure their shipments comply with stricter regulations.

The implementation of post-Brexit border controls has faced several delays. The first phase of the new border regime introduced additional certification requirements for certain goods. The second phase followed iwith physical checks introduced for items like meat, fish, cheese, eggs, dairy products, and some cut flowers. This phase also brought in new charges.

Now, with the third phase starting, businesses will need to provide detailed declarations about the goods they are transporting. HM Revenue and Customs has stated that this data collection will allow for "more intelligent risking of goods," which means legitimate goods are less likely to be delayed at the border, while preventing illegal or dangerous products from entering the UK.

However, businesses must ensure these declarations are submitted before goods arrive at the UK border to avoid unnecessary delays and potential penalties. While large retailers and major EU exporters have the resources to adapt to these changes, smaller retailers and wholesalers have raised concerns that the new requirements are disproportionately burdensome.

In addition, the government has delayed the implementation of physical checks for fruit and vegetables multiple times, with the new deadline for these checks now set for July 1 this year.

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