New border controls have been introduced in stages for imports to Great Britain from the European Union since January 1 2021. All imports have required custom declarations, though businesses bringing non-controlled goods into the country have been able to make use of supplementary declarations this year – a process which allows a business to delay sending the full information about its non-controlled goods by up to 175 days after import.

Full customs declarations and controls are due to come into effect on January 1 2022, so the option to delay declarations through the supplementary declarations process will no longer apply.

What does this mean?

After January 1 2022, businesses will need to choose to make full customs declarations when importing or to be authorised to make simplified declarations. Goods may not be allowed to travel to the UK if no customs declaration has been made.

Also, all exporters and importers must be able to prove the original manufacturing country for the goods they are shipping and all suppliers from Europe must have a Registered Exporter (REX) authorisation.

If you are an importer or exporter of Products of Animal Origin (POAO), there are further changes.

POAO importers or exporters

UK importers of Products of Animal Origin (POAO), animal by-products and high-risk food and feed not of animal origin must pre-notify UK import authorities of incoming consignments. They must be registered with Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS) and are responsible for the impact. They must also provide documentation for goods subject to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls.

For exports of POAO from the EU into the UK, an Export Health Certificate (EHC) will be required.

What is an EHC?

An Export Health Certificate (EHC) is an official document that confirms that your export meets the health standards and regulations of the destination country.

Businesses will need an Animal Health Regulation EHC if they are exporting products of animal origin, live animals, germinal products and composite products from Great Britain to or through the EU, non-EU countries and Northern Ireland.

An EHC will need to be completed for each type of animal or animal product being exported and each product type if exporting a consignment of goods.

It is advised that traders begin the process of moving towards using the new EHCs ahead of January to familiarise themselves with the documentation while doing so in a manner and time suitable to their business.

How can Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid help?

Exporting has a whole culture and language of its own but, fortunately, the Chamber speaks the language and understands the culture. With extensive experience in supporting internationally trading businesses for years, our team is able to curate end-to-end solutions and supply chain connectivity across global markets.

As a dedicated customs intermediary, we help businesses manage documentation to ensure compliance at every stage of exporting and keep goods moving.

The Chamber offer a wide range of international documentary services as well as accredited British Chambers of Commerce training courses on exporting requirements, in addition to the Foundation Award in International Trade, to help upskill traders.

Get in touch with international@cw-seswm.com