On 21 July 2025, HM Treasury published a new policy paper on inland border facilities as part of Legislation Day, outlining amendments to customs legislation that will reshape how border infrastructure is managed across the UK.
️ Key Changes
- Responsibility Shift: All border locations will now be responsible for providing and funding their own customs infrastructure, including offsite inland facilities if on-site space is insufficient.
- Approval Conditions: HMRC gains enhanced powers to approve ports and impose conditions via secondary legislation, ensuring compliance and operational readiness.
- Offsite Infrastructure Mandate: Ports lacking adequate space must establish equivalent inland facilities, subject to HMRC approval.
Why It Matters
This move aims to:
- Improve customs processing efficiency
- Reduce congestion at busy ports
- Ensure consistent infrastructure standards across border locations
The reform is part of a broader effort to modernise UK customs operations post-Brexit, aligning with the Border Target Operating Model and digitisation initiatives.
