What’s New in UK Customs Rules So Far - from HMRC and DEFRA

• Whilst one of the key outcomes of the recent UK-EU Summit is to make easier the trade of food, live animals and plants removing burdensome paperwork and checks, including the removal of Export Health Certificates, it is worth noting that no final decisions have been made on the future scope of the operation of Border Control Posts, with the UK and EU still needing time to negotiate the final terms, which can take several months to complete, so until then, it is business as usual for checks on commercial imports of Freight Border Facilities.

• DEFRA has confirmed that the current SPS Checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU, Switzerland and Liechtenstein which was due to start from 1st July has now been extended until 31st Jan 2027, aligning with the Transition Staging Period (TSP). Meaning SPS border checks will not apply to these products till that date and only if the proposed EU/UK SPS Agreement is not in place by then, following the agreements at the UK-EU Summit.

• HMRC has advised on the 21st May 2025 that traders can claim back import security deposit or guarantee if:

  • Imported into the UK temporarily

  • Moved from GB to NI to use temporarily before moving them back to GB

  • Process or repaired

  • Imported for specific use

  • Imported without proof of origin that were eligible for a preferential duty rate

    Check further guidance at HMRC website

Sources: HMRC, DEFRA, Strong and Herd, Port Health Authority