Businesses exporting goods across the GB-EU border should ensure that they meet the necessary requirements to avoid fines and delays, the Government has warned.
It comes after more than 700 lorries were turned away from the border, resulting in over 150 fines for non-compliance.
The Government also warned that border traffic could increase to “pre-Christmas” levels over the coming weeks, reinforcing the need for traders to be fully prepared.
According to the report, exporters should ensure they provide the correct documentation to hauliers, which includes export declarations and any additional certificates required for restricted goods, such as plant and animal products.
Hauliers travelling through Kent to the EU-GB border must also receive a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of crossing and obtain a Kent Access Permit before heading to port, the Government said.
Non-compliance could result in a £300 fine and goods being turned away, it added.
Commenting on the report, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove said: “I’d like to thank hauliers, traders and our key industry partners for the hard work they have been putting in to make sure that they are compliant with the new rules.
“The preparations they have made have paid dividends and disruption has been minimal so far, but the real challenge and potential for significant disruption starts next week when we expect that the number of lorries heading to the border may return to normal levels.”
He added: “We have always been clear there would be changes now that we are out of the customs union and single market, so full compliance with the new rules is vital to avoid disruption, and the best way to ensure readiness is to follow the guidance on gov.uk and use the ‘Check an HGV’ service.”
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