Policy Watch September
New fee for entering the UK
Starting next year, travellers from EU countries will need to pay a fee to visit the UK without a visa. The UK already has an electronic travel authorization (ETA) system in place for certain countries, for instance in the middle east. From November, this system will expand to include other countries, such as the US and by spring it will also apply to EU member states. According to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, this change will provide the UK with comprehensive data on those entering the country. The ETA application fee will be £10 (approximately 135 SEK), and the process will involve uploading a passport photo through an app. Approvals are typically issued within three working days, but could take longer. The ETA will be valid for two years.
Tariff Rate Quota on Category 1 steel changed
The UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) is changing the rules for importing Category 1 steel, hot-rolled flat steel products, due to a decline in domestic production following the shutdown of a blast furnace at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot plant. This reduction has increased reliance on imports, which are quickly filling the existing quotas and driving up steel prices in the UK. To address this issue, the TRA plans to split the import quota into two categories: Category 1A for steel used in regular commercial projects and Category 1B for steel intended for further manufacturing (downstream processing), with a significantly larger limit for Category 1B. Overall, the UK can import up to 2.9 million tonnes of Category 1 steel annually. If imports exceed these limits, companies will incur a 25% tariff on the additional steel.
Windsor Framework implementation delayed
The Windsor Framework is an agreement between the UK and EU, designed to streamline post-Brexit trade by simplifying the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Recently, the implementation of key measures under this framework, initially scheduled for October 1, 2024, was delayed to March 31, 2025, following concerns about readiness. This delay provides businesses more time to secure UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) authorizations, simplifying customs processes for B2B transactions. Additionally, the government may postpone “Not for EU” labelling on dairy products, potentially reducing supply chain costs.
Introduction of EU Entry / Exit System in November 2024
From November 2024, the EU will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), requiring British travellers to the Schengen area to register biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, upon arrival. This digital system will replace manual passport stamping, and the registration will be valid for three years. While the exact date isn’t confirmed, travellers may experience longer wait times at airports and ports like Dover and Eurotunnel, where new kiosks will be installed to facilitate the process. The EES aims to strengthen EU border security and prevent overstaying. In 2025, the EU will also implement the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), requiring British nationals to apply for travel authorization and pay a small fee. The UK government is working with ports and travel operators to minimise disruptions, investing in infrastructure to ensure smooth EES registration.
