Aerona Insight – The Importance of Ensuring Border Control Standards

At Aerona Customs Clearing Agents, our commitment to upholding stringent border control standards is steadfast, especially in the post-Brexit landscape where regulatory compliance is paramount. 

Recent developments at one of the UK’s main border control facilities have raised concerns among customs agents regarding the adequacy of checks on animal and plant products entering the UK. 

Information about Sevington BCP and the checks that take place there. 

Sevington, the designated facility for inspecting UK imports post-Brexit, has encountered challenges in implementing a robust controls regime, leading to communication issues and delays. 

Despite the regulations coming into effect in April after multiple delays, the effectiveness of the inspection process at Sevington has come under scrutiny. 

Customs agents have highlighted the potential risks posed by insufficient checks on goods entering the UK from outside the EU. Previously subject to rigorous physical and documentary inspections, these goods are now reportedly passing through with weaker checks or, in some cases, no checks at all. 

Reports indicate instances where goods from Turkey and consignments of, for example, honey from Macedonia, have been cleared through Sevington with minimal scrutiny. 

The concerning revelation that six consignments of frozen fish were also cleared through Sevington has underscored the urgency of addressing the gaps in border control procedures. 

As customs agents dedicated to upholding the highest standards of compliance and security, we re-emphasise the importance of thorough inspections to safeguard the UK from potential threats to biosecurity and trade integrity. 

In light of these developments, Aerona Customs Clearing Agents is proud of our commitment to ensuring the integrity of our imports. We remain vigilant in our efforts to uphold regulatory compliance and facilitate the smooth flow of legitimate trade while prioritising the protection of the UK’s borders and environment. 

The complexities of post-Brexit border control procedures highlight the critical need for enhanced vigilance and adherence to regulatory standards. These recent revelations underscore the importance of maintaining rigorous inspection protocols to safeguard the nation’s biosecurity and trade integrity. 

Other reports have revealed the implementation of a contingency clearance process, the timed-out decision contingency feature (Todcof), which is aimed at reducing lorry queues at British ports. This measure, which allows automatic clearance after two hours, raised concerns about the adequacy of checks being conducted. 

Other reports have come in of drivers waiting several days for clearance. 

It’s chaotic at best, dangerous at worst.

Documents indicated a deliberate reduction in inspection rates before the enforcement of post-Brexit rules in April, raising questions about the government’s readiness for the transition. 

In response to criticisms of the border system’s preparedness, the outgoing Conservative government defended its approach, citing a phased implementation strategy for checks. 

The shift from relying on the EU for controls on goods entering Europe to conducting independent assessments for non-EU arrivals signifies a significant change in the UK’s border control landscape. 

Sevington’s role as a pivotal inspection point, situated inland from the port of Dover, signifies its strategic importance in overseeing goods entering the UK from both EU and non-EU sources. 

However, reports of clients exploring alternative border control posts due to concerns over Sevington’s capabilities highlight the imperative for maintaining trust and confidence in the inspection process. 

As Aerona Customs Clearing Agents, we recognise the evolving complexities of border control and remain committed to upholding the highest regulatory standards. 

Our dedication to thorough inspections and compliance with customs regulations hasn’t changed, which reflects our mission to facilitate secure and efficient trade while safeguarding the interests of our clients and the nation. 

In the face of ongoing challenges and uncertainties in the border control landscape, Aerona Customs Clearing Agents positions itself as a reliable partner for businesses seeking trusted customs clearing services. Stay informed and connected with us for updates on border control regulations and industry insights.