Further changes to customs procedures will also take place in January and March 2022.
Firms importing food, drink and goods from the EU are being urged to prepare for new paperwork and customs checks.
The UK imports about two thirds of its fruit, vegetables and cheese and over half of its wine from the EU.
Many in the freight industry believe that EU-based suppliers are not sufficiently prepared for the new rules, and have incorrectly interpreted the government’s phasing in of customs checks to mean that the UK is adopting a relaxed approach.
Importers have been required to keep internal records of all imports since the start of 2021. From October 1, there will be a new requirement for health certificates, and a Common Health Entry Document (CHED) for sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) products such as meat, cheese and eggs. This also includes animal by-products.
DEFRA has published information as to how these certificates must be completed here.
HMRC has recently written to more than 160,000 businesses reminding them of the changes. The letters offer guidance and links for further information, stating: “If you are found to be deliberately non-compliant you may lose the option of delaying future [import] declarations and will have to declare goods at the time of import. We may also take action.”
HMRC anticipates 270 million additional customs declarations a year from UK firms importing EU goods.
Firms in Northern Ireland are operating outside the rules, under the Northern Ireland protocol.
Full customs checks on imports begin on January 1, 2022.
If you would like advice regarding the significant changes to importing and/or exporting to/from the EU, please do feel free to contact us at Tudor International Freight, on 0333 1234 747 or email sales@tudorfreight.com.
About Us - Tudor International Freight
Established in Horsforth, Leeds, back in 1991, we are a logistics company who are experts in road, air and sea freight. We transport goods to most major cities, towns and suburbs across all 6 continents. We go over and above to ensure that our client’s products, goods and cargo are transported around the world safely and successfully. We are a family business, who are still based in Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire.