New Brexit Border Controls: UK Government Finally Implements Full Border Controls on Imports from the EU

Delayed No More

After multiple delays, the UK government is finally imposing full Brexit border controls on imports from the EU starting on 31 January 2024.

This move comes three years after the UK left the EU's Single Market, while the EU wasted no time in implementing full border controls on UK goods entering the bloc.

Worries Over Complications and Costs

The UK government has repeatedly postponed border controls on goods from the EU due to concerns about complications, confusion, and costs for British businesses.

However, now that the government is taking action, these worries remain unchanged.

Last October, a poll conducted by the Institute of Export & International Trade revealed that less than 20% of UK businesses fully understood the upcoming border control changes and their impact.

New Phases and Deadlines

• Starting from 31 January: Full customs controls for imports of fresh food, including meat and dairy products, from the European Union will be implemented.
• Starting from 30 April: The second phase begins, introducing more physical and document checks on animal products, plants, and non-animal origin foods from the EU.
• Starting from 31 October: Safety and security declarations for EU imports will be required.

Considering that the UK imports a significant portion of its food from the EU, it is crucial to question the impact these border controls will have on food costs.

It is highly unlikely that barriers to imported food will result in lower food costs; instead, it will lead to increased costs, delays, and complications for British trade, ultimately affecting the cost of living for British consumers.

Concerns for UK Growers

The National Farmers Union has expressed concerns about the new checks for young plants imported into the UK from the EU. These checks are expected to cause substantial delays at the border and may result in damage or destruction of plants.

Horticulture and potatoes board chair at the NFU, Martin Emmett, stated, "There is a concern that border control points can pose an existential threat to horticultural businesses in this country."

Double Trouble for British Trade

Since the beginning of Brexit on 1 January 2021, British exporters have faced complicated customs barriers and experienced delays in getting their goods to the EU, which did not exist before.

Now, British importers will also face complicated customs barriers and delays in getting goods from the EU to Britain, which were non-existent before.

Implementing barriers to trade with our most crucial customers and suppliers right on our doorstep was a detrimental decision that should have been avoided.

Is it Time to 'Get Brexit Undone'?

It is important to note that Northern Ireland has a unique arrangement that allows friction-free access for goods in the Single Market.

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By: Jon Danzig
Title: New Brexit Border Controls: UK Government Finally Implements Full Border Controls on Imports from the EU
Sourced From: eu-rope.ideasoneurope.eu/2024/01/22/new-brexit-border-controls/
Published Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:17:04 +0000