The UK Government has announced plans to delay introducing full import controls for goods being imported from the EU.
New guidance revised the timeline to allow businesses more time to prepare for new controls that will be phased in next year.
Full customs declarations and controls will come into effect on January 1 2022, which includes requirements for pre-notification of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) goods.
Safety and security declarations are being deferred from January 2022 until July 1 2022.
Originally, new requirements on important animal products were to be introduced in October 2021. However, the UK Government said is has “listened to those who have called for a new approach to give businesses more time to adjust.”
Tony Goodger, spokesperson for the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) said the further postponement allow EU businesses “a grace period from completing costly export documentation’”
“UK processors who continue to export into Europe continue to have these cost pressures. This will make UK origin meat and chicken less competitive in the EU,” he added.
Katie Doherty, CEO of the International Meat Trade Association (IMTA) welcomed the Government’s decision to delay import controls.
She continued: “Imports are essential for UK food security in complementing domestic production and providing consumers with a choice of products year round.”
LSL NEWS.