Brexit update: key milestones 2022

In 2021, the UK became a third country and you already had to make basic customs declarations for your exports to the UK. But that's not the end of the Brexit sock. From now on, you have to make full import declarations and imported goods have to be pre-notified. Later this year, export certificates and security declarations will be added, and a UK address must appear on your labels. Read here which obligations take effect when.

As of Jan. 1, 2022

1. Modified UK input models.

British Customs has two models for checking goods at the border. On the one hand, there is the "temporary storage" model. This allows UK Customs to store your goods in a separate room for up to 90 days. After declaration, they then leave for their final destination. The new customs rules have no impact on this import model.

The new "pre-lodgement" model is different. This requires pre-notification of the goods as of January 1. This 'pre-notification' must be in order before your goods leave the EU. The British digital platform GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service) then bundles various reference numbers into one umbrella number. It is crucial that your carrier has this number when crossing the UK border. You can find information about GVMS at UK government website. Here find which UK ports will be using this new system. 

2. Prior notification for animal and plant products.

If you export products of plant or animal origin, they must be pre-notified from January 1. The company responsible for importing the goods into the UK must register and can then notify the goods via IPAFFS. 

3. Deferred customs declarations are no longer possible

In 2021, the importer across the Channel only had to submit some basic information to UK customs. Indeed, the importer could delay the effective customs declaration for up to 6 months under certain conditions. However, this transitional arrangement expires: from January 1, 2022, a fully completed UK import declaration will be mandatory. More information can be found at UK government website. 

Until January 7, 2022: recognition of natural mineral water

The transition period for automatic recognition of European natural mineral water in Great Britain is coming to an end. Anyone who still wants to continue shipping mineral water must apply by Jan. 7, 2022. More information can be found at UK government website. 

From July 1, 2022: FASFC export certificates

As of July 1, 2022 you should consider both certification and physical checks for:

• all remaining regulated animal by-products;
• all regulated plants and plant products;
• all meat products;  
• any remaining high-risk foods that are not of animal origin.

Retrieved from September 1, 2022 these import requirements go into effect for all dairy products.

From November 1, 2022 also applies to all remaining regulated products of animal origin, including composite products and fish products.

More information can be found at the website of the FASFC or the UK government website. Information on products of animal origin can be found here. Via this link find out more about products of plant origin. 

From July 1, 2022: 'safety and security declarations'

'Safety and security declarations' are required for any product you bring into the UK. Based on these, the UK customs authorities make a risk analysis of the goods. More information can be found at UK government website. 

From Oct. 1, 2022: labels of prepackaged food

If you handle pre-packaged food in the UK, then from Oct. 1, 2022, it will no longer be sufficient to put labels with only an EU address on your products. The labels must then bear the name and address of a responsible UK company: a UK importer or a UK subsidiary of a Belgian company. More information can be found at UK government website.

From January 1, 2023: UKCA marking

The UK government has delayed the UKCA marking requirement by one year. The original date for the new UKCA marking to become mandatory for certain products was Jan. 1, 2022. This deadline is being postponed to Jan. 1, 2023. That means exporters can export products with the current, European CE marking until then. However, companies are well advised to find out what the new obligations for UKCA marking are and already make the necessary preparations. More information can be found at UK government website. 

The above info was provided by Flanders' Investment & Trade.

fevia.be / food.be