Rise in customs declarations expected as Britain ‘secures’ border post-Brexit

PA

An extra 400 million customs declarations could have to be issued a year under new post-Brexit border controls, it is understood.

The figure, from sources, came as the Government insisted Britain will have the “most secure” border in the world by 2025.

With Britain set to quit the Brexit transition period by the end of the year, the full tracking of vehicle movements will not be in place until next July, it is understood.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove said business needs to be ready for the UK becoming an independent trading nation for the first time in nearly half a century when the Brexit transition period is scheduled to finish at the end of the year.

More than £700 million is to be spent on building new infrastructure, hiring staff and developing technology to ensure that Britain’s border systems are fully operational when the UK leaves the EU at the end of the year, Mr Gove said.

The Government insists the border operating model it has announced gives “clarity” to businesses.

Michael Gove
Michael Gove

Mr Gove said: “The publication of the border operating model is an important step which gives business the certainty and direction they need to prepare for the end of the transition period when the UK becomes an independent trading nation for the first time in nearly 50 years.

“We are committed to working closely with businesses and the border industry to help deliver not just a fully operational border at the end of the transition period, but also the world’s most effective and secure border in the world by 2025.”

The £705 million package includes £235 million for staffing and IT systems, and £470 million for port and inland infrastructure to ensure compliance with new customs procedures and controls.

New border infrastructure will be built inland where there is no space at ports, while ports will get one-off financial support to ensure the right infrastructure is in place.

It is understood there will be 10-12 inland sites.

The funding relates only to the implementation of the GB-EU border, and the Government is expected to publish specific guidance and measures for Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.

The package comes ahead of a public information campaign in which guidance will be given to traders and hauliers explaining what they may need to do to prepare for the end of the transition period.