This information builds on the government’s plans for a “phased approach" from 1 January 2021 to 1 July 2021. This information only relates to trade between GB and the EU (not covering trade between GB and Northern Ireland (NI)).
The government has now published a Border Operating Model that runs to 200+ pages of guidance on importing / exporting goods. It sets out the rules relating to Sanitary and Phyto Sanitary checks and controls (SPS checks) as well as information relating to Customs procedures.
£705 million investment for GB-EU border
Alongside the publication of the Border Operating Model, the government has also announced additional funding for the border of just over £700m to cover infrastructure, systems and staffing. The infrastructure funding includes supporting ports where infrastructure can be built on site and for the UK government to build inland infrastructure sites where ports do not have the space on site. Read more about this announcement here. Included in the £700m package is money earmarked for the building of new infrastructure (£470million) at ports and inland sites to carry out checks and facilitate export trade, £235million for new IT systems and staffing, including 500 new Border Force personnel to be recruited at a cost of £10million.
Let's get going
The government also kicked off a new communications campaign designed to support businesses and citizens to get ready for the end of the Transition Period. The campaign under the slogan 'The UK’s new start: Let’s get going' will set out the actions businesses and individuals need to take to prepare for the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, and ensure they are "ready to seize the opportunities that it will bring". Campaign advertisements will include a 'Check, Change, Go' strapline which directs people and businesses to a straightforward checker tool at gov.uk/transition, which quickly identifies the necessary next steps they need to take.
The NFU has summarised the key elements of the changes relating to import and export of agri-food goods and has produced this exclusive member only briefing.
This briefing is accessible to NFU members only and you will be asked to log in.
How to log in: Use your membership number or the email address associated with your membership to log in. If you've forgotten your password, you can click here to reset it or contact NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.
More from the NFU's EU exit team:
- NFU raises key issues in response to government consultation on freeports
- NFU insight: UK government's approach to border controls from 1 January 2021
- Government launches 'bounce back' plan for agriculture, food and drink industry
- UK/US trade: An update on the second round of negotiations
- UK-EU negotiations intensify in the hope of making progress
More from NFUonline:
- Watch now: A message from the President
- NFU representing farming as member of Trade and Agriculture Commission
- Have your say on the Environmental Land Management Scheme - consultation open now
- NFU launches #YourHarvest campaign
