DEFRA Update: Border announcements

Dear colleague, We would like to make you aware of the border announcements which have been made this week. Firstly, funding for the border of just over £700m was announced on Sunday (12 July). This is additional funding to cover infrastructure, systems and staffing. The infrastructure funding includes supporting ports where infrastructure can be built on site; and for HMG to build inland infrastructure sites where ports don’t have the space on site. Secondly, the Border Operating Model was published on Monday (13 July), outlining the processes for moving goods between GB and the EU from 1 January 2021 onwards. This has had the benefit of many comments and suggestions from industry and we hope you will find the product useful. The model includes:

• The stages of import controls from January to July 2021
• Details on health certification (such as an Export Health Certificate or Phytosanitary Certificate)
• Information on documentary, identity and physical checks at the border or inland (temporarily)

Defra have also published export process maps for Meat and Dairy products and Plants and Plant Products. Included in these is the new EHC Online system, providing faster certification of certain EU export commodities. Finally, Cabinet Office launched on Monday the new communications campaign designed to support businesses and citizens to get ready for the end of the Transition Period. Obviously, this is broader than just readiness for new border requirements, but there are a range of communications products focused on the border which will be published as part of the campaign. These include a new step-by-step guide for importing, and one for exporting. Please do get in touch if you have any questions. Kind regards, Defra External Affairs