This bulletin provides the latest news from the British Government relating to UK borders at the end of the transition period.
UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (FTA)
We have now agreed a comprehensive free trade deal between the UK and the EU. Work is being done at pace to update guidance on GOV.UK for businesses, hauliers and passengers. A summary of the deal has been published and you can read it here.
Border Operations Centre
The Border Operations Centre is now operating on a 24/7 basis. The centre has been created to monitor disruption and it will ultimately enable government and local partners to make rapid decisions to ensure problems are minimised. During the first half of January (4th to 15th) we will be inviting stakeholders to calls which will enable us to update on the live state of play at the border
Updated Border Operating Model
The Border Operating Model has been updated to reflect our FTA with the EU. The vast majority of the Border Operating Model remains unchanged. The main updates that have been made relate to:
a. how to claim preferential rates of duty by meeting Rules of Origin requirements,
b. our listing status for equines,
c. mutual recognition for AEO status, and
d. updated requirements for wine and organics.
It has also updated the infrastructure section to provide greater clarity as to which locations will be operating which customs models and the facilities available at inland sites.
The updated version will be published here shortly.
Covid-19 testing for HGV drivers using Eurotunnel
Department for Transport have published guidance for HGV drivers requiring a Covid-19 test before entering France. Guidance can be found here. We strongly recommend reviewing the guidance prior to making a journey as it may be subject to change/update.
Safety and Security requirements for GB exports – from 1 January 2021
From 1 January 2021 the government will introduce a temporary waiver for safety and security requirements on exports from GB for two categories of movements. The temporary waiver will apply to the movement of empty pallets, containers and vehicles moved under a transport contract to the EU; and movements of goods in RoRo vehicles where there is a requirement for an exit summary declaration. The temporary waiver will only apply until 31 March 2021. From 1 April 2021 safety and security export declarations will be legally required for the movement of empty pallets, containers and vehicles under a transport contract and movements of goods in RoRo vehicles.
More information can be found here.
Webinars
HMRC continue their webinar programme with sessions taking place every day from w/c 4 January. These sessions will cover details about exporting, staged import controls and trader responsibilities when using an intermediary.
Find out more here
For more information, go to gov.uk/transition