The new Border (Brexit) Operating Model

On 13th July 2020, the UK Government released the Border Operating Model (BOM), detailing how the UK will manage customs and border control obligations post-Brexit. On 8th October 2020, the UK Government released a comprehensive BOM update that will be effective from 1st January 2021. 

All businesses moving goods between the EU and Great Britain (and the EU to Northern Ireland via Great Britain) need to engage with the Border Operating Model guidance to understand the impact to their supply chain and Brexit preparations. 

Regardless of the trade-deal negotiations, UK businesses will need to submit import and export declarations for their trade with the EU. The Border Operating Model sets out these changes and the new regulations that businesses must comply with after the end of the transition period.

The staged approach to importing into the UK (three stages of 1st January, 1st April and 1st July 2020) introduced in the Border Operating Model guidance on the 13th July 2020 has been further clarified and it is now clear that the ‘light-touch’ (EIDR) process can only be operated by traders (or their agent) if approved for ‘simplified procedures’ by HMRC. 

There are some simplifications to ‘normal’ import and export procedures such as postponed import VAT accounting and the removal of the requirement for a Customs Comprehensive Guarantee (CCG). This means easier access to customs special procedures such as Inward Processing Relief (used for processing/manufacturing goods in the UK) and Customs Warehousing (used for longer term storage of goods or for call off/consignment stock). 

The updated BOM also contains detailed explanations on moving goods using the Common Transit Convention (Transit), Transit accompanying documents (TAD) and using the new Goods Vehicle Movement Service.

There are a variety of process maps covering the various types of movements and system requirements contained in the BOM, though some are very detailed and may be difficult to interpret.

Our Brexit task force team has prepared its own process maps, which are easier to interpret, to illustrate Brexit customs processes and responsibilities for EU/UK imports and exports.

The six Metro process maps cover four import and two export methods, incorporating participants in the new processes and the point of supply chain intervention.

Metro have  been preparing for the imminent situation for the last two years and we now have a dedicated team of 28 colleagues that are working full time and relentlessly to ensure as seamless as possible transition is achieved for our customers. We will ensure that you keep on trading successfully with the European Union from 1st January 2021. This has taken a huge amount of investment in time, money and sweat, blood and tears!

Please visit our Brexit transition micro website for further details and latest news https://www.metroshipping.co.uk/brexit-ready/. Alternatively please call Jade Barrow who will be pleased to answer any questions or guide you on legislation and our own dynamic solution.