The UK is setting a new course in international trade with significant updates to its customs regulations effective from 2024. These changes are crucial for businesses involved in express shipments, freight, and logistics, particularly those dealing with import and export operations.
Border Target Operating Model (BTOM)
January 31, 2024 – Health certifications for certain high and low-risk imports from the EU
The introduction of health certification on imports of medium-risk animal products, plants, plant products, and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin from the EU. This change goes hand in hand with another change that will take effect on the same day: removing pre-notification requirements for low-risk plant and plant products from the EU.
January 31, 2024 – Full customs controls for goods imported into mainland Great Britain directly from the Republic of Ireland
The current easements for goods arriving in mainland Great Britain directly from the Republic of Ireland will cease on January 31, 2024. Full customs controls will apply from this date to all goods originating from the Republic of Ireland. This includes the need to use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS), which will replace the current manual arrivals process.
Customs Declaration Service (CDS)
March 30, 2024 – Export declarations on CDS
HMRC is replacing its electronic system for customs declarations. The Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system is being replaced by the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). All import declarations are already being made on CDS. The last day for making export declarations on CHIEF will be March 30, 2024. All businesses should declare goods through CDS from this date.
