From January 1, importers will have to submit customs declarations for goods entering from the EU. Although imports from the island of Ireland will be exempt, importers will also need to provide advance notice of any animals, food or plant products entering the country, sparking concern some smaller businesses may struggle to maintain stock levels. New rules of origin regulations will also be enforced, meaning British exporters to the EU, must show their product qualifies for it to be exempt from tariffs.

       Ahead of these checks, Richard Harrow, chief executive at the British Frozen Food Federation, told Politico: "While the new UK rules will be introduced in stages, we are concerned that not enough planning has been done to ensure the new requirements are understood by everyone in the food supply chain.”

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