LONDON – UK customs authorities plan to relocate customs checks currently carried out at the inland border facilities in Sevington and Holyhead to other locations from early 2027. This was announced by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). For truck drivers and transport companies, nothing will change for the time being: they must continue using the existing facilities until further instructions are issued.
The Inland Border Facilities (IBFs) were established as a temporary measure following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. They enabled customs checks to continue at locations where there was insufficient infrastructure to carry out these checks directly at the border.
The UK government ultimately intends to move to the model used elsewhere along the UK border, under which border locations themselves provide the infrastructure required for customs and border procedures.
Sevington customs checks to move to Dover and Eurotunnel
HMRC expects customs checks currently carried out through Sevington to be transferred to alternative facilities provided by the Port of Dover and Getlink, the operator of Eurotunnel, from early 2027.
The exact date of the transition has yet to be confirmed.
The relocation is also expected to mean that facilities for starting and ending customs transit movements will no longer be available at Sevington.
Businesses wishing to start or end a transit movement at their own premises or those of a customer will be able to use facilities provided at border locations, commercial services offered by an Authorised Consignor or Authorised Consignee, or transit simplification procedures.
The Port of Dover will provide transit facilities for goods entering or leaving the United Kingdom through the port. Getlink’s existing transit facilities will remain operational.
According to HMRC, the Port of Dover and Getlink will provide further information about their plans in the coming weeks.
Border control post for veterinary and phytosanitary checks to remain open
The announced changes will not affect the border control post at Sevington where sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks are carried out.
This facility will remain operational until further notice. These checks include inspections of goods subject to veterinary or phytosanitary border controls.
Holyhead customs checks to move into the port
Customs checks at Holyhead are also expected to be relocated from early 2027.
The checks are to be transferred from the current inland border facility to infrastructure provided by the port operator within Holyhead Port.
The detailed arrangements for the new facilities and the timetable for the transition are still being developed.
Existing customs procedures and requirements will also remain in place for transport companies using the Holyhead border facility for the time being.
No immediate changes for hauliers
HMRC emphasises that there are currently no changes to existing customs procedures or requirements for businesses using Sevington and Holyhead.
Hauliers must continue using the current facilities until the UK authorities announce otherwise.
HMRC will continue to consult with port operators, trade associations and businesses about the transition. Interested parties can register to take part in engagement sessions by emailing transitpolicymailbox@hmrc.gov.uk.
HMRC will publish further information once the new arrangements and implementation dates have been confirmed.
