Post-Brexit import checks commence at UK ports, excluding goods from Ireland for now

The UK has begun implementing the second phase of post-Brexit import checks at its ports, focusing on animal and plant products arriving from the EU. These new measures are meant to improve biosecurity and health by conducting more thorough checks on products considered medium to high risk. However, imports from Ireland to Britain will not face the same scrutiny immediately due to different implementation timelines and the lack of necessary infrastructure on Britain’s west coast. 

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Post-Brexit import checks for Ireland to begin in 2025

While the British government plans to announce a date for physical checks on goods from Ireland soon, it stated that these measures would not be introduced before Spring 2025. This allows traders more time to get ready for the adjustments. In contrast, goods imported from continental Europe via the land bridge and arriving in British ports may face checks and potential delays. 

In January, the first phase of these post-Brexit controls began, requiring firms importing agri-food goods into the UK to pre-lodge customs declarations and notify UK authorities in advance. The British government aims to gradually scale up checks to inspect each shipment of “high-risk” products and up to 30% of “medium-risk” goods.

Despite concerns from businesses about potential cost increases, delays, and supply shortages, the British government believes the impact on food inflation will be minimal, estimating a 0.2% effect over three years. This phase marks a significant step toward full post-Brexit border control implementation.