A new timetable for introducing import border control processes has been set out by the government today (Thursday 11 March) to enable UK businesses to focus on their recovery.

The government has listened to businesses who have faced an unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and will now introduce full border control processes on 1 January 2022, six months later than originally planned.

This will provide businesses with further time to prepare for changes at the border and minimise disruption as the economy gradually reopens, as the government recognises the scale and significance of the challenges businesses have been facing in adjusting to the new requirements, at the same time as dealing with the impacts of COVID.

There has been an overall rebound in freight volumes between the UK and EU after an expected dip in January as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, pre-January stockpiling, and some initial teething problems as businesses adapted to new rules for trade with the EU. The very latest management information shows that overall freight volumes between the UK and the EU have been back to their normal levels since the start of February.