September 2026 — future customs infrastructure arrangements at Sevington and Holyhead inland border facilities
Updated 1 September 2026
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This is an update on planning for the future provision of customs infrastructure at locations currently served by the Sevington and Holyhead inland border facilities (IBFs).
Overview
Government-funded IBFs were introduced as a temporary measure following the UK’s exit from the European Union, to ensure customs checks could continue where border locations did not have enough infrastructure in place.
The government’s long-standing intention has been to transition to the model used elsewhere across the UK border, where border locations provide the infrastructure needed to support customs and border processes.
There are no immediate changes to existing customs processes or requirements. You should continue to use Sevington and Holyhead IBFs as usual until further notice.
Sevington IBF
We expect customs checks undertaken through Sevington IBF to transition to alternative locations provided by the Port of Dover and Getlink, who operate Eurotunnel, from early 2027, although the exact timing remains subject to final confirmation.
This also means from early 2027, facilities to start and end transit movements will no longer be provided at Sevington. To start or end a transit movement at their or their client’s location, traders will need to either use:
- facilities provided by the border locations
- the services of an Authorised Consignor or Consignee on a commercial basis
- the transit simplification process
Find out more about the transit simplification process.
Transit facilities will be provided by the Port of Dover for goods entering and leaving the UK through the Port of Dover and Getlink’s existing transit facilities will remain in operation.
The Port of Dover and Getlink have confirmed they will provide traders with further information on their plans in the coming weeks.
Sevington Border Control Post, where Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks are undertaken, is not affected by this change and will remain operational until further notice.
Holyhead IBF
At Holyhead, our intended approach remains that customs checks will transition from the current IBF arrangements to infrastructure provided by the port operator within Holyhead Port from early 2027. Work to establish the detailed arrangements and implementation timetable is continuing.
This means there are no immediate changes to existing customs processes or requirements if you use Holyhead IBF.
What will happen next
Alongside our ongoing engagement with representative bodies and businesses, we encourage you to engage with the relevant operators as plans develop.
Email transitpolicymailbox@hmrc.gov.uk if you would like to take part in engagement sessions.
Border locations will play an important role in delivering future customs infrastructure arrangements and, over time, will be best placed to provide information on how their services and facilities will operate.
HMRC will continue to work closely with border locations and industry to support the transition and provide updates as arrangements are confirmed.