The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has provided importers and exporters with fresh guidance on complying with the UK's post-Brexit border controls. The updates were outlined in Defra's most recent Borders Bulletin.

A key focus was advice for preparing loads and vehicle arrivals at the Sevington Inland Border Facility. To minimise delays, Defra recommends placing goods requiring inspection at the rear of the vehicle near the doors. Drivers must also correctly identify they need Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks and provide reference numbers to staff.

The bulletin clarified the definition of "high-risk food and feed not of animal origin" and their processing at the border. It also specified that frozen fish fingers are now classified as a higher-risk category.

Changes were outlined for certain export health certificates now required when exporting Products of Animal Origin to the EU or moving them to Ireland. The use of verifiable PDF health certificates was also explained.

Guidance was provided on avoiding "no match" issues between export documentation and actual goods, as well as rules around using multiple export health certificates.

The bulletin reminded businesses of the process for paying charges for SPS checks and controls. It highlighted resources available to help firms comply with the updated Border Target Operating Model rules.

Defra reiterated it will take action against any continuous and deliberate non-compliance by operators. Contact details for helplines on import and export procedures were included.

To access the guidance and information in full please click here.