The UK government has delayed the third and final stage of the post-Brexit border rollout, prompting an angry response from traders who said the ministerial commitment to the industry was “totally lacking”.
An exemption from security certificates for goods entering the UK from the EU has been extended by three months until January 31, 2025, according to an update published by HM Revenue & Customs on Monday.
The announcement by the UK tax authority marks the latest in a series of delays in the implementation of the country’s post-Brexit border regime.
Trade representatives said that while they welcomed the extension of the exemption, the government’s failure to properly engage with the industry or offer clear guidance on deals with Britain’s largest trading partner had left local businesses at a disadvantage. .
“Constant changes to deadlines are costing the industry financially and eroding confidence in both the government and our sector in terms of our ability to deliver for customers,” said Nichola Mallon, head of trade at business group Logistics UK. “Commitment to the industry has been totally lacking.”
Phil Pluck, chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation, which represents the perishable goods trade, said the industry had “barely been notified” of the delay. It was “another example of the [government] “they cannot manage their own workflows and therefore push the industry into another postponement,” he added.
From 31 October, safety declarations were to apply to all goods imported into the UK from the EU. The declarations, which were initially due to come into force from July 2022, are designed to provide UK authorities with information about goods en route to Britain and assess their safety before their arrival.
The plan is the final step in the implementation of the new border regime, known as the Border Target Operating Model, after health certificates were introduced in January and physical checks began in April.
Anna Jerzewska, independent trade adviser and content director at consultancy CustomsClear, said the UK could still consider joining the EU security zone, which the bloc shares with Norway and Switzerland, thus avoiding the need for summary declarations of entry and exit.
“Time and time again, companies that invested in changing their processes to address the coming changes ended up losing time and money. There were many cases in which companies tried to prepare but ended up in a worse situation,” he said.
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Jerzewska added that policy rotation made it more difficult for the government to get companies to comply. “Companies learn that there is nothing to be gained by trying to comply and follow government recommendations. “This is really worrying,” he said.
After years of strained relations with the EU under the last Conservative government, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labor administration is trying to forge closer ties, including seeking a veterinary agreement with the bloc that could reduce border red tape for agri-food products.
Marco Forgione, director general of the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, said the professional body recognized that it was “early days for the government and that the timetable for the implementation of the BTOM was not its own”.
But “announcements like this must be made in collaboration and partnership with companies,” he added.
HMRC said it had “been working closely with ministers to review plans for the introduction of safety declarations for EU imports, as well as listening to the industry about the time it will take them to prepare”.
“We will continue to work closely with the industry to ensure they are prepared for a smooth transition,” he added.
Read More: United Kingdom delays the third stage of post-Brexit border deployment
