A new timetable for introducing import border control processes will enable UK businesses to focus on their recovery from the COVID pandemic. The government will now introduce full border control processes,six months later than originally planned.

From 1 October 2021:

• Pre-notification requirements will be required for products of animal origin, high risk food not of animal origin (HRFNAO) and certain animal by products.
• Health certificates will be required for products of animal origin and certain animal by-products.

For more information on importing or moving live animals, animal products and high-risk food and feed of animal origin,click here. For more information on importing or moving fish to the UK, click here. Guidance on importing animals has also been updated in"guidance for EU businesses exporting to the UK”, click here for more information.

From 1 January 2022:

• Safety and Security declarations for imported goods will be required.
• Physical SPS checks for products of animal origin, certain animal by-products, HRFNAO and high risk plants,will take place at Border Control Posts.
• Prenotification requirements and documentary checks, including phytosanitary certificates,will be introduced for low risk plants and plant products.

• Customs declarations on all goods will be required at the point of import,and businesses will no longer be able to use the deferred declaration scheme.

From 1 March 2022:

• Checks at Border Control Posts will take place on live animals, low risk plants and plant products.

Traders moving controlled goods into Great Britain will continue to be ineligible for the deferred customs declaration approach. They will therefore be required to complete a full customs declaration, when the goods enter Great Britain.

For more information on the announcement,click here.

Traders can apply for up to £2,000 in total through two types of grants:

Grant for Training: The grants can be used to provide training on the following:

• How to complete customs declarations
• How to manage customs processes and use customs software and systems
• Specific import and export related aspects including VAT, excise and rules of origin

Grant for Professional Advice: The grant can be used to get professional advice, so your business can meet its customs, excise, import VAT or safety and security declaration requirements.

Find out more information on eligibility for the fund and apply online.

Applications will close on 30 June 2021 or earlier,if all funding is allocated before this date.