Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of delays in container inspections on importers, including (a) storage charges and (b) sales.

HMG takes a risk-based and intelligence-led approach to customs enforcement. HMRC understands the importance of consumers receiving their consignments on time and has robust procedures to help maintain the flow, whilst ensuring risks are managed. Documentary checks are the most frequent and least disruptive type of check and are often resolved within 2 hours. Clearance may take longer for physical checks, which occur less often.

There are many agencies that operate at the border (including Border Force) and many reasons why goods may need to be physically examined. Whilst delays will always be kept to a minimum, should an importer believe their goods have been subject to unnecessary delay, Gov.uk publishes details of its complaint procedures. Complaints will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.