UK government releases new post-Brexit border plans

Brexit pulse alert: respond to the business impacts of Brexit

16 July, 2020

Brexit development

On 13 July, the UK government published its border operating model, ‘The Border with the European Union: importing and exporting goods’. This 206 page document outlines how the EU / Great Britain (GB) border will operate at the end of the transition period. It does not cover arrangements relating to Northern Ireland.

Top Brexit impacts

Freedom of movement of goods will end, and businesses will face new customs and related compliance requirements to import and export goods between GB and the EU. The guidance provides summary process flows and detail on the new arrangements.

GB import measures will be phased in between 1 January and 1 July 2021, with full border control measures effective from 1 July 2021.

At this point, the UK’s new Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) will be operational to allow the pre-lodgement of declarations, including for goods moving via roll-on roll-off (RoRo) ports. The guidance also provides an outline of some of the key measures in place at EU RoRo ports.

Transit procedures will not be introduced in phases and will apply from 1 January 2021 – which is likely to be relevant for goods moving between Ireland other EU member states via the GB land bridge.

Safety and security declarations will need to be submitted by the carrier, and logistics providers will need to ensure they have the correct licences and driving permits.

The EU will implement full border control measures from 1 January 2021, so businesses exporting goods from GB to the EU will need to meet all relevant export requirements.

Actions for business

Businesses will need to review the detailed guidance and identify the changes needed to support the continued flow of goods between GB and the EU. Key actions include:

• Check the business has a GB EORI number (and where relevant, an EU EORI number)
• Ensure the necessary data is available to complete customs declarations, including in relation to classification, value and origin
• Consider whether to use simplified declarations and other facilitations e.g. transit to help manage the border compliance requirements
• Check what further conditions apply to controlled goods and animals, plants and their products
• Appoint a customs compliance provider to submit customs declarations.

To discuss specific support with your Brexit preparations based on this latest development contact: Deloitte Brexit Insight