At the UK border
With a step-by-step introduction of the Border Target Operating Model (TOM), the United Kingdom (UK) is further tightening customs requirements for imports. Always make sure you are prepared in time. This will prevent you from stalling at the UK border or even as early as the Dutch port. This is the state of affairs:
For all export cargo
Effective since 31 January 2025
A Safety & Security Declaration is required for all export cargo from the EU prior to arrival at the UK port.
For the export of veterinary and phytosanitary cargo
Effective since 31 January 2024
For a large group of animal products, plants and plant products from a medium risk onwards, a phytosanitary or veterinary certificate is required for imports into the UK.
Effective since 30 April 2024
The UK inspects animal products, plants and plant products with a medium risk level and up coming in from the EU at Border Control Posts.
Other customs rules UK
In effect since 1 January 2022
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Access to the UK via the pre-lodgement and temporary storage model
Since 1 January 2022, the British government has applied two different models for cargo access to UK ports: pre-lodgement and temporary storage. In the British ports that are served from the Netherlands, both models are allowed. Read here how Dutch ferry operators deal with this.
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Immediate entry into the UK always requires an import declaration
Without a further declaration, cargo cannot continue its journey in the British port (temporary storage) or even already in the Dutch port (pre-lodgement).
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Obligatory pre-notification of veterinary and phytosanitary cargo in the UK
The importer in the UK is obliged to pre-notify veterinary and phytosanitary cargo in the British IPAFFS (Import of products, animals, food and feed system).
Effective since 1 January 2021
- Import rules and border controls for a limited group of goods on the controlled list
- Compulsory veterinary or phytosanitary certificate for entry of live animals and ‘high risk’ agricultural goods, such as trees and perennials