Britain is once again delaying post-Brexit import trade controls

LONDON, Sept. 14 (Reuters) – Britain has delayed the implementation of some post-Brexit import controls for the second time, saying it would postpone controls until next year instead of imposing them now when the industry’s supply chains are under stress.

Britain left the European Union’s single market in early 2021 and the immediate introduction of controls on British goods going to Europe has severely affected sales.

The logistics industry had warned that the introduction of import controls on goods arriving in Britain would lead to problems stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the shortage of truck drivers, ahead of Christmas.

Having delayed its introduction by six months from April 1, the government has pushed for the need for full customs declarations and controls until January 1, 2022. Security declarations will be required at from July 1 next year.

Sources in the logistics and customs industry have said the government infrastructure was not ready to make full checks on 1 October.

While some will welcome the logistics industry, the food and beverage trade agency attacked the government for the late announcement. The new controls on food products were to take effect in 17 days.

“The repeated failure to implement full British border controls on EU imports since 1 January 2021 has undermined confidence among companies,” said Ian Wright, head of the Food and Drink Federation. “Worse, it actually helps UK competitors.”

The industry argues that while European producers can sell in Britain without the additional cost and hassle of a full customs border, British producers face the opposite. Food and beverage sales in Germany, Spain and Italy in the first half fell by about half compared to 2019, he says.

The government said it had introduced a new “pragmatic” timetable to give companies time to recover from the pandemic.

British companies and customers have complained in recent months that the shortage of workers in logistics, driving and warehouses has led to long delays in deliveries, with some supermarkets and restaurants struggling to provide a full range .

“Businesses will now have more time to prepare for these controls which will be phased in over the course of 2022,” said Brexit Minister David Frost.

Britain opted for a full customs border, with controls of goods and lengthy procedures, due to the nature of the divorce it agreed with Brussels, choosing full autonomy over its regulatory affairs rather than closer alignment. with the block.

Reports of William James; writing by Kate Holton; edited by Michael Holden and Philippa Fletcher

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