The locations due to close are the two remaining interim IBF sites at Warrington and Ebbsfleet. They shall cease operations on the 13th and 27th of November respectively.
A number of IBFs were created post-Brexit to allow HMRC to carry out documentation checks and physical inspections away from the UK’s busiest ports. This was done so as to help the flow of goods in and out of the UK.
However, with Great Britain now conducting very few checks on EU goods, despite the EU conducting stringent checks on goods from Great Britain, the IBFs have arguably become less important.
According to HMRC, Testing at the Sevington and Holyhead IBFs showed the two larger facilities can handle all IBF traffic without the support of the smaller sites.
Therefore, it was decided that Ebbsfleet and Warrington IBFs will close ahead of the planned December closure date.
Commenting on the move, Claire Dartington, Director, Borders and Trade, and Senior Responsible Owner of the IBF Programme at HMRC, said:
“Inland Border Facilities are constantly under review to make sure they provide value for the taxpayer and meet the demands of traffic flow. We will continue to provide an excellent service and support the flow of trade through the Sevington and Holyhead IBF sites.”
Photo: Ashford Borough Council