Peers launch probe into post-Brexit imports from EU

The Call for Evidence comes hot on the heels of the government’s decision to push back the introduction of a range of import controls, many of which will not be brought in until July next year. The Committee is also interested in the overall impact to date of Brexit and of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU on trade in goods in both directions.

Some measures, such as those governing alcohol and tobacco, were introduced on 1 January this year following Britain’s withdrawal from the EU while others, for example on food and animal products, were due to come into force from 1 October 2021 and 1 January 2022. Although the introduction of many checks and controls has been delayed to 1 July 2022 (the third time the Government has delayed these checks), the requirement for full customs declarations from 1 January 2022 remains a significant milestone.

The Committee is interested in both the impact of further delays to import controls and in preparedness for their introduction from January and July next year, particularly in the context of current challenges facing supply chains due to labour shortages.

The committee is seeking views on questions and topics including:

• What have been the overall consequences to date of the implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the end of the transition period for GB-EU trade in goods?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of the government’s decision to delay further the introduction of certain checks and controls on imports of EU goods into GB?
• To what extent are businesses, ports, hauliers, the customs intermediary sector and other relevant groups ready for the introduction of full customs controls?
• Is disruption to trade flows or supply chains expected from the implementation of additional checks and controls from January and July 2022?