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security declarations will be required from that date for goods moving from the UK to the EU. It is clear that there is an enormous amount of work to be


undertaken by all parties prior to the end of the transition period and any of the milestone dates in 2021. Whilst many BIFA Members believe themselves ready for the final stages of UK exit from the EU, when pressed it is clear that this readiness is against known procedures. That misses the point, which is that there are new


procedures to undertake. For rest-of-the-world traffic, shipping lines and airlines are familiar with processes such as filing security declarations and similar. For cross-Channel trade, this


underpinning knowledge will be missing and when pressed Members are unclear as to what information will be required and how to pass it to the carriers who will be responsible for filing declarations, etc. BIFA will do all that it can to assist Members, many of whom


are recovering from the disruption caused by coronavirus. Via our current institutions we are already representing Members’ views on some key areas such as safety and security declarations, and pressing for greater clarity on the processes to be followed. We will update Members when we have the information available. However, given the current situation this will have to be done electronically for the foreseeable future.


Anticipated timelines for the introduction of UK border controls for goods imported from the EU Date


Key activities at each stage From 1 January 2021


• Traders importing standard goods, covering a broad range of household and commercial goods will need to prepare for basic customs requirements, such as keeping sufficient records of imported products. Subject to further policy clarification from HMRC, they will have up to six months to complete declarations. While tariffs will need to be paid on all imports, payments can be deferred until the customs declaration has been made.


• There will be checks on controlled goods such as alcohol and tobacco, potentially at the frontier. • There will be physical checks at the point of destination or other approved premises on high risk live animals and plants.


• Businesses will have to consider how they account for VAT under the Postponed VAT accounting regime. From 1 April 2021 From 1 July 2021


• All products of animal origin (POAO) – eg meat, pet food, honey, milk or egg products – and all regulated plants and plant products will need pre-notification (using IPAFFS and Peach) and the relevant supporting health documentation.


• Traders moving all goods will have to make customs declarations at point of importation and pay relevant tariffs. • Full import safety and security declarations will be required for imports from the EU. • There will be an increase in physical checks and taking of samples for SPS commodities. • Checks for animals, plants and their products will not take place at British border control posts.


NB This table is for guidance only and dates/events may be subject to change. Also, it must be noted that the EU has already stated that full frontier controls will implemented for goods moving from the UK on 1 January 2021. This means that a safety and security declaration will have to be submitted via ICS to the first country of arrival in the EU, plus a full customs or transit declaration. Full border inspections of controlled goods are expected to be introduced as of the 1 January 2021.


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