STORY: Despite the physical checks coming into force, there did not appear to be any delays at the Sevington border facility 60 miles (97 km) southeast of London.
While Britain's major supermarkets and large EU exporting businesses have greater resources to handle the paperwork and new demands, smaller retailers and wholesalers have warned of delays and disruption and said consumers should expect a reduced variety of quality goods, less fresh produce, and higher prices.
The first phase of Britain's so-called new Border Target Operating Model, requiring additional certification, came into force on Jan. 31.
A second phase kicked off on Tuesday introducing physical checks at ports for so-called "medium risk" animal products, plants, and plant products, such as meat, fish, cheese, eggs, dairy products, and certain cut flowers.
New charges have also been introduced.
The government says the new checks, which involve visual inspections and the temperature readings of goods, are essential to help prevent diseases and pests from entering Britain and will level the playing field for UK exporters.
