From 1 January 2021 businesses importing (including bringing in from the EU which were previously acquisitions) certain goods will require licences and certificates. Additionally, there will be new rules for bringing goods into the UK. As the UK will be a third country post Brexit (third country refers to any country outside the EU, and in this case outside its economic structures – the single market and the customs union).
Licences and certificates
A business will need to obtain a licence or certificate to import some types of goods (below) into the UK and it may also need to pay an inspection fee for some goods before they’re allowed into the UK.
The Goods
The goods, with links to details, are as follows;
- live animals, animal products, high-risk food and feed
- fish for human consumption
- live fish and shellfish for aquaculture and ornamental purposes
- plant and plant products
- endangered animal and plant species, and products made from them
- veterinary medicines
- wood packaging
- timber
- chemicals
- controlled drugs
- drug precursors
- fluorinated gases (F gas) and ozone-depleting substances
- nuclear materials
- waste
Further GOV.UK information on importing goods from the EU to Great Britain from 1 January 2021 here.