Since the beginning of the year, full customs declarations and controls have been in effect for importers and exporters.
Now, globally trading businesses need to prepare for the introduction of further controls in July 2022. Here, we highlight the key requirements that businesses need to know about.
Safety and security declarations
From 1 July, full safety and security declarations are required for all imports to Great Britain. An Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) will need to be submitted for each individual consignment ahead of its arrival in Great Britain. This applies to all imports using sea, air, rail and roll on, roll off modes of transport.
The ENS will provide information on the vessel, container or vehicle bringing the goods into the country, the route taken, the people or companies involved in the transaction and the goods themselves. The carrier has the legal requirement to submit the ENS within the time limit, but importers must make sure that the carrier has all the information they need to complete the declaration.
Phytosanitary certificates and checks on SPS goods
Originally due to be introduced at the start of the year, phytosanitary certificates will now be required from July onwards. A phytosanitary certificate will need to be presented to border control when importing to demonstrate that necessary inspections and treatment to remove pests from goods, specifically live agricultural products, plants and fresh produce, have been undertaken.
Similarly, physical checks will be carried out on SPS goods at border control. SPS goods include products of animal origin, animal-by products, and high-risk food and feed not of animal origin. The physical check to ensure that the goods are compliant with sanitary and phytosanitary import requirements will entail checking the consignment’s means of transport, packaging and labelling. In some cases, temperature sampling may be taken for analysis.
Export health certificates
An Export Health Certificate (EHC) is an official document that confirms that your goods meet the health standards and regulations of the destination country. From July, EHCs will be required for agri-food imports entering Great Britain.
How can the Chamber help?
Importing has a whole culture and language of its own. Fortunately, this is where the Chamber can step in to help your business. Understanding the culture and speaking the language of importing, our team use their extensive experience to curate end-to-end solutions and supply chain connectivity across global markets.
As a dedicated customs intermediary, Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid can manage all HMRC declarations through every port, handling the paperwork and logistics to keep goods moving and ensuring compliance at every stage.
The Chamber also offer a wide range of international documentary services, as well as accredited British Chambers of Commerce training courses on importing requirements, in addition to the Foundation Award in International Trade and other HMRC aligned courses.
