18
Accepted
Concerns over readiness have led to the government delaying the implementation of import controls three...
Conclusion
Concerns over readiness have led to the government delaying the implementation of import controls three times and departments’ focus is now on improving UK and EU readiness for the implementation of UK import controls.56 Logistics UK told us that improving readiness across 27 member states is significantly more challenging than just one, and told us that it was particularly nervous about the lack of information and metrics on EU readiness.57 Dr Jerzewska told us that there is a limit to what government can do to encourage traders in EU countries to prepare and that it was likely that the experience at the border in January 2022 would be the same as in January 2021, where a small number of issues arose that caused friction at the border and the authorities had to work together to solve them.58 HMRC agreed that the experience of January 2021 showed that it was inevitable some traders and hauliers would show up at the border not ready, but these will soon learn what they need to do to avoid future disruption.59
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's observation and states it has already implemented measures, detailing extensive past and ongoing engagement, events, and translated communications to help EU traders prepare for import controls.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 5.2 The government has dedicated significant resources to helping EU traders get ready for import controls and will be announcing further engagements soon. Since April 2021, the government has delivered more than 70 successful events including roundtables, webinar events and bilateral technical discussions with EU member states to support trader readiness. 5.3 Ongoing work to improve EU processes and readiness of businesses in the EU. Targeted meetings with EU member states and embassy posts are structured to enable feedback identifying key issues to address. To raise awareness and understanding across EU businesses, the government has put in place an extensive programme of translated webinars and communications assets are being made available for dissemination through EU member state channels. These include decision trees, checklists, case studies and animations tailored and translated for specific member states. Technical engagement meetings continue to provide more specific guidance.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Inquiry
EU Exit: UK Border
Report
Thirty-Sixth Report - EU Exit: UK Border post transition
09 Feb 2022
HC 746
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
4.5 yrs
Report published
09 Feb 2022