Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the (a) checks and (b) controls placed on goods exiting the UK destined for markets outside the EU are.

A customs export declaration must be completed before commercial goods can be taken outside the EU. In most cases this is an electronic export declaration which is submitted via HMRC’s National Export System (NES), although exceptionally paper export declarations may be used.

HMRC automatically risk assesses all export declarations, and in a minority of cases will carry out more detailed documentary checks. In some circumstances, Border Force staff may intercept the goods to undertake physical examinations or stop the movement of particular consignments.

Exports of some goods are controlled. Businesses may need to apply for a licence, or comply with specific regulations when moving relevant goods. The types of goods that may be subject to additional controls include: weapons and other goods and technologies with a potential military use; some agricultural products and processed foods; valuable antiques and works of art; dangerous chemicals, and; live animals, plants and meat. Further information can be found on the HMRC website.

Goods exported from the EU will be subject to the import procedures of the country they arrive in. It is the legal responsibility of the importing business or individual in the destination country to ensure that they comply with all relevant processes and checks, including paying import duties where required.