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The Border Target Operating Model new UK import controls - effective from 31 January 2024
Following the previously released UK Border Target Operating Model, the introduction of full import controls for EU goods at the UK Border took place on the 31st of January. Guidance from DEFRA and the UK Cabinet Office has been issued to support traders. 

Updates to the CDS Tariff Completion Rules
HMRC issued several updates to the CDS Tariff completion rules over the festive period. Nearly all of them concerned using XI EORI numbers on CDS, which has been updated to accept XI EORI numbers on export and import Customs declarations.

Update to Stop 24 and Dover Western Docks inland border facilities
Inland border facilities are UK government sites where Customs and document checks can occur away from port locations. The two Inland Border Facilities in Great Britain are based at Sevington (Ashford) and Holyhead.

UK Sanctions on Russia
On 14 December 2023, the UK government introduced legislation to sanction further goods, technology, and funding sources that could support Russia’s war against Ukraine. These include import, export, and financial sanctions. 

Update to Wet Signature requirement
Back in 2020 (NTE 2020/25), the ECJU announced that due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the difficulties presented by businesses faced both in the sending and receiving of wet-signed compliance documents, they would relax the wet-signed document requirement and accept electronic signatures in place of wet-signatures on documents needed for compliance audits and to support UK export licence use and application submissions.   

UK Seeking Enhanced Trade Agreement with Türkiye* (Turkey)
Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, is visiting Türkiye (Turkey) ahead of talks to negotiate and upgrade the current trade agreement. Following Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the Customs Union between Türkiye and the European Union, enabling tariff-free trade on most goods. The two countries agreed on a free trade agreement in 2020. This agreement only covers trade in goods, and the UK is now seeking to extend its reach to include trade in services, and digital and data trade. Türkiye is one of the government’s target markets for new/enhanced trade agreements, along with Switzerland, South Korea and the Gulf States. 

BTOM Defra Low Risk Goods for Import where an EHC is not required
Additional information on the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) has been published, confirming that Export Health Certificates will not be required on certain low-risk imports of POAO (Products of Animal Origin). 

An Update on Haiti Sanctions
The ECJU has released an update to the regulations that support UK sanctions on the territory of Haiti. 

NTE 2024/01: Reminders and Good Practice from Licensing Unit
The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) has issued updated good practices and reminder prompts on how best to prepare and make acceptable licence applications in Notice to Exporters 2024/1, published on the 10th of January.
 

NTE 2024/02: General Trade Licence Russia Sanctions - Vessels
The second Notice to Exporters of 2024, published 18th January 2024, relates to the General Trade Licence Russia Sanctions. 

Singapore ratifies UK accession to CPTPP
Singapore has formally ratified the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), becoming the second existing member to do so after Japan late last year. 



Government pledges £500,000 to boost British services exports: Recognition Arrangements Grant programme
The Department for Business and Trade has announced the UK Government’s commitment to making £500,000 of grant funding available to help UK professionals export services around the world.