UK Unveils Plans for Streamlined Post-Brexit Trade Checks With EU

Freight lorries queuing at the port of Dover in Kent, England, on Dec. 18, 2021. (Gareth Fuller/PA)

The British government has set out plans for how post-Brexit border checks will work, which have been repeatedly delayed since the UK officially withdrew from the bloc more than two years ago.

Britain left the EU’s single market in January 2021, but the government has delayed full implementation of border controls on multiple occasions because of worries about port disruption and COVID-19, and more recently the risk of adding to a cost-of-living crisis.

The Cabinet Office finally published a draft border operating model on Wednesday, which it said will prevent delays at the border by reducing the need for physical checks for many types of goods.

In the introduction to the draft proposals, the government said that the “Border Target Operating Model” sets out “a new model for importing goods into the UK from countries inside and outside the EU.”

“It will move us closer to our goal of creating the most effective border in the world, by introducing an improved regime of sanitary, phytosanitary, and security controls on imports.”

New Border Checks

According to the government, investigations of animal and plant products would still be thorough enough under the new model to protect Britain against diseases like African swine fever and Xylella, while also making it as easy as possible for businesses to import.

It also plans to carry out the checks away from ports, to prevent traffic from building up similar to the passport-processing chaos which engulfed Dover at the weekend.

Traffic at the Port of Dover in Kent, England, on April 1, 2023. (Gareth Fuller/PA)

The customs and regulatory process is designed to be streamlined through the use of the “single trade window,” allowing traders to submit information about goods through one digital system.

A pilot trusted-trader scheme is also planned, in order to test further simplified processes for frequent importers.

But none of the additional checks or controls set out in the new model will apply to imports into Northern Ireland from the EU, providing Northern Ireland traders with full access to the single market.

Arrangements for goods moving into Northern Ireland from Great Britain will follow the deal Prime Minister Rishi Sunak struck with the EU in February on post-Brexit trade rules for the region, the government said.

Preparing for Change

Under the draft plans, health certificates for animal and plant products crossing from the EU could be introduced by Oct. 31, with further measures planned at two further milestones throughout 2024.

While ministers are encouraging businesses to prepare for the new regime ahead of the Halloween start date, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) called for “concerted effort” to provide businesses with certainty.

William Bain, the BCC’s head of trade policy, said: “Providing certainty for business is crucial and the focus must now be on delivering to the timescales set out. This will need a concerted effort to get the physical and digital infrastructure in place.

“It is then vital that companies, here and across the world, involved in sourcing and supply chains, are properly prepared for these changes and the introduction of new trusted-trader arrangements.”

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) urged ministers to step up its communication with retail businesses to ensure they are prepared for the changes.

Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the BRC, said: “With only six months until new checks on food imports are introduced, it is imperative the government steps up its engagement with retailers and their European suppliers to ensure the supply chains are prepared, preventing any disruption for customers and businesses.

“Ports and farmers will also need to be ready for physical checks from January, when the UK is particularly reliant on imported produce.”

‘Downright Dishonest’

The government will now spend six weeks consulting with business, with a final model for trade checks due to be published later this year.

Cabinet Office minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe said the draft strategy was a “huge step forward for the safety, security, and efficiency” of the country’s borders.

She added, “Our proposals strike a balance between giving consumers and businesses confidence while reducing the costs and friction for businesses, which in turn will help to grow the economy.”

Environment minister Lord Benyon said: “It is vital that we have strong border controls in place. Invasive diseases could cost our farms and businesses billions of pounds, threaten our food safety, and break confidence in UK exports around the world.

“That is why we are working hand in glove with businesses to devise a strong system that works for the nation.”

But the opposition Liberal Democrats said the new model would “make trade between us and Europe harder.”

Lib Dem Treasury spokeswoman Sarah Olney said: “It’s staggering that the Conservatives looked at the chaos at Dover and said ‘more of that please.’

“The government’s claims that these plans are going to ease trading chaos are downright dishonest.

“Let’s be clear, these proposals mean more checks and more red tape, not less—the last thing anyone wanted.”

PA Media and Reuters contributed to this report.