The United Kingdom will introduce a new system of import inspection in 2021, spread over three phases in the coming year.

The British government will introduce the import inspection in phases on January 1, April 1 and July 1. From January 1, 2021, imports of standard goods must comply with basic British customs regulations. Imports of high-risk products (such as the main Xylella host plants) require pre-notification and health documentation, the Dutch Embassy in London reports. Such products will be physically inspected at an authorized UK location (e.g. the customer).

As of April 1, 2021, pre-notification and health documentation are required for all regulated plant products.

From 1 July 2021, a complete import declaration is required. Import tariffs must be paid upon entry into the UK. The UK does not have an import tariff for tree nursery products, but it does, for example, apply to cut flowers (8%). From 1 July, more physical (phytosanitary) checks and samples will be carried out at British border posts.

The Brexit transition period will end on 1 January 2021. There is still a chance of a no-deal Brexit.