It has recently been reported that UK ports are considering legal action against the government after important post Brexit checks were confirmed to be delayed last week.

Digitalised border processes, that reduce the need for most physical checks, were due to go live on 1st July 2022. However, Jacob Rees-Mogg confirmed last week that these import controls would now not be required until ‘at least’ the end of 2023.

The situation has angered port associations, who are now seeking urgent engagement with the government and considering legal action to recover millions of pounds of costs.

While £200 million was funded by the government, it is believed that port operators also invested more than £100m in facilities, which they fear could be wasted time and costs to develop white elephants.

The following processes have been delayed until 2023:

• Physical, documentary and identity checks on SPS imports from the EU at the GB border.
• ENS (safety and security) declarations.
• Prohibitions and restrictions on the import of chilled meats.
• Export Health Certificates for animal-origin products, or phytosanitary certificates for plants and plants products .