UK to delay imposing full border checks on EU goods

The British government yesterday said it will delay bringing in full border checks on goods coming from the European Union to relieve pressure on businesses hammered by the pandemic, but once again ruled out delaying its full economic break with the bloc beyond the end of this year.

The UK left the now-27-nation bloc on January 31, but remains part of its single market for trade and other economic structures during a transition period that lasts until December 31. After that, British firms trading with the EU will face customs checks, border inspections and — unless there is a free trade deal — tariffs.

The bloc is the UK’s biggest economic partner, accounting for about half of Britain’s trade. In February the UK government announced that goods coming from the EU would require inspections and customs declarations starting in January.

But yesterday the government said border checks would be introduced in stages. Importers of most goods will be able to delay submitting customs declarations or paying tariffs for up to six months, though they will have to keep customs records. From July 2021, traders will have to make full declarations and pay tariffs at the point of importation.

The government estimates that businesses will have to fill out 200 million new customs forms a year under the new rules.

The government also announced £50 million to help set up a huge new border industry to deal with trade red tape, including customs brokers and freight forwarders. The UK says it will build new customs and border facilities for all the checks.