Introduction

The UK Single Trade Window (STW) is a centralized digital platform envisioned under the 2025 UK Border Strategy to simplify traders’ interactions with border authorities. By establishing a single entry point for border data, STW aims to minimize data duplication, enabling traders to submit required information only once through a unified portal. This initiative aligns with global customs modernization efforts, drawing on guidelines from international organizations like the World Customs Organization. The UK government’s commitment of £180 million towards the STW underscores its intent to reduce trade costs and streamline border processes, making the UK border one of the most effective worldwide​.

Goals and Objects of STW

The outlined goals of the STW include:

• Streamlining user interaction with government services for trade management;
• Offering guidance throughout all trade lifecycle stages;
• Centralizing data provision to fulfill all government-mandated trading obligations;
• Consolidating the application and management of all trade-related permits, licenses, and authorizations;
• Ensuring transparent tracking of ongoing trades and access to historical trade data;
• Facilitating the provision of enhanced supply chain data to the government in a less cumbersome manner.

Background: 2025 UK Border Strategy and United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business Guidelines

The 2025 UK Border Strategy, published by the Cabinet Office in 2020, outlines a vision for modernizing the UK’s border management, with the Single Trade Window (STW) as a pivotal component. The STW concept is further bolstered by guidelines from the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT), which advocates for centralized digital platforms to enhance trade facilitation. These guidelines provide a framework for creating a single data entry point to the government for customs and border-related activities, aiming to foster efficient information exchange and contribute to global commerce growth.

Implementation: The Single Trade Window (Preparation) Regulations 2023

The Single Trade Window (Preparation) Regulations 2023 is a legislative measure that came into force on 8 May 2023, marking a significant step towards the implementation of the Single Trade Window (STW) as envisaged in the 2025 UK Border Strategy. This regulation facilitates the allocation of government procurement expenditure for the STW project, paving the way for the necessary preparations and arrangements required to operationalize the STW. The regulation reflects the UK government’s commitment to streamline trade and customs procedures, making it easier for traders and other stakeholders to interact with border authorities.

International Precedents: STW Implementations in Other Countries

The concept of Single Trade Windows (STWs) isn’t unique to the UK; several countries, including New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States, have already implemented STWs. These international precedents provide valuable insights and lessons for the UK as it works towards implementing its STW. By analyzing the successes and challenges faced by these countries, the UK can design and implement an STW that not only streamlines trade and customs processes but also positions the UK as a leader in modernized border management practices​.

Integration with the Existing Border Framework

Presently, customs declarations are filed to HMRC via the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) for imports, while the Customs Handling of Imports and Exports System (CHIEF) is utilized for exports, slated for obsoletion by 30 November 2023. The National Export System (NES) simplifies exports further.
The envisioned STW will encompass 25 government departments, necessitating policy and legislative adaptations.
There’s an ongoing exploration into enabling self-declaration of border data within STW by traders or intermediaries, diverging from the current model where e-customs software and Community Service Provider (CSP) badges facilitate interactions with HMRC’s platforms.
The transition to STW aims to overcome operational fee challenges, elevate compliance accuracy, and enhance system integration through API functionality, fostering a seamless interaction between the portal and existing inventory systems.

Conclusion: Anticipated Impact on UK’s Trade Facilitation

The implementation of the UK Single Trade Window (STW) is anticipated to significantly enhance trade facilitation by streamlining customs processes, reducing data duplication, and promoting efficient interaction between traders and border authorities. By centralizing data submission and improving the user experience, STW is expected to reduce the administrative burden on traders, thereby potentially reducing trade costs and fostering a more favorable environment for international trade. Through lessons learned from international precedents and a comprehensive approach to implementation, the STW aims to contribute to the broader objective of making the UK border one of the most effective globally.

Introduction

The Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency said on the 28th of April 2022 that the new controls for EU-UK migration, which had been scheduled to go into effect on the 1st of July 2022, have been delayed until further notice.

This year, the remaining import limitations on EU goods will not be implemented, saving British businesses up to £1 billion annually in costs. Instead, the Government is accelerating a transformational effort to digitally change Britain’s borders, using new technology and data to decrease friction and costs for businesses and consumers. 

This is a new approach for a new era, as the United Kingdom maximises the benefits of leaving the European Union and implements the appropriate policies for our trade with the rest of the world. This is due to the Government’s announcement that no new import restrictions will be imposed on EU products in 2018.

Customs Controls postponed to 2023

While all current controls will remain in place, the implementation of the following has been postponed until the end of 2023:

• A requirement for further Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks on EU imports currently at the destination to be moved to Border Control Post (BCP).
• A requirement for safety and security declarations on EU imports.
• A requirement for further health certification and SPS checks for EU imports.
• Prohibitions and restrictions on the import of chilled meats from the EU.

Why has the Government pushed back the impending controls?

As a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, living and energy expenses are rising, and the Government is searching for methods to decrease the pressure on businesses to raise prices.

According to the cabinet office, the Government has determined that imposing new administrative restrictions on enterprises that may pass along the related expenses to consumers would be inappropriate. As a result, the Government has decided to suspend these extra controls until at least next year and will publish a Target Operating Model in the fall of this year in order to develop their new strategy for border import controls in 2023.

What does this mean for businesses?

No longer will businesses be required to prepare for July’s new import restrictions. In addition, the Government estimates that these reforms would save businesses £1 billion this year.

How is Customs-Declarations.UK assisting its clients? 

Filing your customs declarations can be a daunting task for many organisations, at Customs-Declarations.UK, we take care of the customs declaration filing process on your behalf, saving you time and money while bringing overall efficiency and effectiveness to your business operations. We are using this additional time to learn and improve our platform so that when the additional import regulations are imposed in 2023, we will be prepared to assist you with these modifications.

Introduction

You can now begin your transition to the Customs Declaration Service. Customs Declaration Service is a modern IT platform with the scalability to expand in accordance with the government’s plans to create the most efficient customs system in the world by 2025.

If your company is registered for VAT, you may already be utilising the Customs Declaration Service for VAT-related transactions. Check with your organisation to determine if you are already registered, and verify that HMRC has the necessary contact information for your firm.

The Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system will be discontinued.

The CHIEF system will be shut down in two stages: After September 30 2022, import declarations will no longer be permitted. Phase two: The ability to make export declarations will terminate on March 31, 2023. Subsequently, you will be required to declare all imports and exports using the Customs Declaration Service.

If someone else files your customs declarations, such as a customs broker or agent, you must determine if they are currently using CHIEF. If so, they must ensure that your declarations are transferred to the Customs Declaration Service before CHIEF closes.

Customs-Declarations.UK provides an intuitive and interactive way to submit your customs declaration most effectively and efficiently. Please get in touch with us today to learn more about our services. 

The following are the five steps required for you to transition to the Customs Declaration Service:

Step 1: Create an account on the Government Gateway.

The majority of businesses currently have a Government Gateway account to access their personal or corporate tax account. This account is required to access the Customs Declaration Service.
If you do not have a Government Gateway account, you can create one.

Step 2: Apply for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification number.

Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) numbers must begin with the letter GB. The majority of enterprises transferring goods into and out of the United Kingdom already have one.

If you do not have an EORI number, you can apply for one. It costs nothing and only ten minutes to apply. You should receive your EORI number within a week, although it may take longer at peak times.

Step 3: Register for the Customs Declaration Service

You must register with the Customs Declaration Service. This may take up to five business days. You’ll need your personal or business Government Gateway user ID and password. Additionally, you need:

• your GB EORI number
• your 10-digit Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number – you can find this on any HMRC payment reminders, or in your personal tax account
• the address for your business that is on HMRC records
• your National Insurance number (if you’re an individual or sole trader)
• the date you started your business

Step 4: Select the payment method to use.

You may choose the appropriate payment method for your declaration. 

In the Customs Declaration Service Financial Dashboard, you may view your balances and payments and give and modify standing authorities for your payment accounts.

Following are the payment methods that you can choose: 

• Duty Deferment Account – the Customs Declaration Service uses a distinct HMRC bank account to CHIEF; thus, a new direct debit must be set up.
• Postponed VAT Accounting – Determine whether you can or must account for import VAT on your VAT return if you’re making declarations for yourself and your business is VAT-registered in the United Kingdom.
• Cash Account – These replace the Flexible Accounting System (FAS), and once you’ve registered for the Customs Declaration Service, you’ll be assigned one.
• Immediate Payment by Bacs, CHAPS, online or by telephone banking – you can pay by debit, corporate credit card or cheque
• Individual Guarantee – you can use these to cover customs duties for one-off or high-value imports.
• General Guarantee Account  – allows you to provide multiple guarantees from the same account and continue importing goods into the UK and paying a disputed amount later once agreed.

Step 5: Instruct your customs broker or agent

You must provide your broker or agent with Customs Declaration Service-compliant customs clearing instructions. 

You might have to:

• Utilise the Customs Declaration Service Finance Dashboard to configure, verify, and update the customs agents who have access to your accounts.
• Inform them of any changes to your preferred payment method.
• Inform them of the incoterms, sensitivity to all values, geographical information, and purpose of the transaction.

Introduction

All fruits and vegetables imported into or exported from the United Kingdom must comply with applicable quality and labelling regulations. Imports of fruit and vegetables (whether fresh, dried, tinned, processed or frozen) from third countries must meet the same hygiene standards and go through the same safety procedures as food produced in Great Britain. You do not usually need a health certificate to import fruit and vegetables.

Importing fruit and vegetables from the EU to Great Britain

The Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate (HMI) inspects English and Welsh imports, whereas Science & Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) inspects imported goods in Scotland. If HMI or SASA decide to inspect your shipment, they will inform you that you must apply for a certificate of conformity (CoC) issued from Great Britain.

The UK had announced a progressive application of additional controls and checks post-Brexit. However, the government has announced recently that the remaining import controls on EU goods will no longer be introduced this year. Instead, traders will continue to move their goods from the European Union to Great Britain as they do now.

Importing fruit and vegetables directly from non-EU countries to the UK

Before entering the United Kingdom, a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is required for any items that must comply with the Specific Marketing Standard (SMS).

Unless your SMS shipment fits both conditions, you will need a CoC issued by the United Kingdom.

• it comes from a nation with UK Approved Inspection Service (AIS) status 
• it is accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity issued by the country you’re importing from (the country must have UK AIS status)

The following countries and goods have UK AIS status: India, Israel, Kenya, Morocco, New Zealand, Senegal, South Africa, Switzerland, and Turkey are members of the G20.

Most imports accompanied by a CoC from countries with UK AIS status do not need routine quality and labelling (marketing standards) checks. HMI or SASA will inspect a small sample at random to ensure that goods comply with the quality and labelling rules. 

Some commodities that must comply with the General Marketing Standard (GMS) will be examined to meet quality and labelling standards. If HMI or SASA decide to inspect your shipment, you must request for a CoC granted by Great Britain.

You must apply for a CoC on PEACH for GMS goods even if you are importing from a nation with AIS status and possess a CoC granted by that country.

Importing fruit and vegetables from non-EU countries to the UK via the EU

Fruits and vegetables in transit from non-EU nations through the EU to the United Kingdom continue to be evaluated by horticultural inspectors to determine whether an inspection is required at the border and to ensure compliance with UK marketing guidelines.

In England and Wales, HMI and PHSI may inspect produce governed by both marketing requirements and plant health legislation. SASA conducts product inspections in Scotland.

At the border, HMI and PHSI conduct the majority of quality and labelling (marketing standards) checks. PHSI may inspect produce at plant health facilities throughout the United States.

Suppose you import fruit and vegetables into the United Kingdom from a non-EU country, and a portion of your shipment is re-exported to the EU. In that case, your shipment must undergo import and export procedures.

Exporting fruit and vegetables from Great Britain to the EU

If you export fruit and vegetables from Great Britain to the EU, you must adhere to the import criteria for third countries outlined in the EU marketing standards laws.

To clear customs in Great Britain, SMS produce requires a CoC issued by Great Britain. This includes exports to the European Union. For GMS goods to clear customs, a CoC issued by Great Britain is not required.

You may also need an import CoC granted by the importing member state upon arrival into the EU. This relies on the risk assessment of the member state for GMS and SMS commodities. The European Commission has given the United Kingdom AIS status for produce.

AIS status enables GB exporters of British-grown produce to use a CoC issued by the UK while obtaining customs clearance in the EU. Prior to importation into the EU, a sample of shipments may be inspected to ensure conformance with EU marketing rules.

Approved Trader Scheme (ATS)

Approved trader status identifies a business as low-risk and reduces the number of conformity assessments. You can obtain approved trader status if you are a grower, packer, importer, or exporter, and your business consistently meets marketing standards requirements.

If you are a member of the ATS in the United Kingdom, you must remove the EU insignia from your food labelling and replace it with the GB badge. It would help if you only sold your current inventory with the EU logo in the United Kingdom until your current labels run out.

The GB label must contain the following:

• ‘Marketing standard for fresh fruit and vegetables
• number of the approved trader
• ‘Great Britain’ or ‘GB’

Exporting fruit and vegetables directly from the UK to non-EU countries

Before delivering your shipment, you must comply with the country’s quality and labelling standards.

All SMS items must have a CoC issued by Great Britain to clear customs in the United Kingdom. GMS goods do not require a CoC issued by the United Kingdom to clear customs in the United Kingdom.

Before being exported from the UK to a non-EU country, most fruits and vegetables require a phytosanitary certificate. If you export fruits and vegetables to Northern Ireland, you should review DAERA’s export guidelines for plants and plant products.