UK says importers making ‘deliberate errors’ on forms to avoid Brexit border charges

Border checks can cause delays that threaten the shelf life of perishable goods such as fresh fruit and veg. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

The government has accused businesses importing goods from the EU of making “deliberate” and “criminal” errors on key documentation in a bid to avoid new Brexit border charges.

In a notice sent out to traders this week, the government said it had been made aware that some traders and logistics companies were repeatedly filling out forms incorrectly, and vowed to crack down on the behaviour. It comes just weeks after the government brought in new checks for plant and animal goods coming into Britain from the EU.