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HMRC to move Sevington and Holyhead customs clearance back to port

[ August 24, 2026   //   ]

HMRC has announced forthcoming changes to customs clearance arrangements at Sevington and Holyhead Inland Border Facilities (IBFs).

The IBFs were introduced as a temporary measure following the UK’s exit from the European Union to carry out customs checks where there was insufficient but government’s long-standing intention is to operate processes at these two locations at the border itself in the same way as at other ports.

HMRC expects customs checks undertaken through Sevington IBF to transition to

the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel from early 2027, although the exact timing remains subject to final confirmation.

From early 2027, facilities to start and end transit movements will no longer be provided at Sevington and traders will need to use the facilities provided by the border locations, use the services of an Authorised Consignor or Consignee on a commercial basis, or use the transit simplification process to start or end a transit movement at their or their client’s location. Transit facilities will be provided by the Port of Dover and Getlink’s existing transit facilities will remain in operation. The Port of Dover and will provide further information on their plans in the coming weeks. 

Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks at Sevington are not affected by this change and will remain operational until further notice.

At Holyhead, HMRC plans to move customs checks will transition from the current IBF arrangements to infrastructure provided by the Holyhead port operator also from early 2027. Work to establish the detailed arrangements and implementation timetable is continuing.  

Meanwhile, there will be no immediate changes to existing customs processes or requirements and operators should continue to use Sevington and Holyhead until further notice.

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