Actually the deal isn't to blame for customs entries they are, in fact, a direct consequence of Brexit full stop. You would have them even if we were in the EEA. When we were members of the EU we had to complete customs clearances on cargo from Switzerland or Norway.

This was pointed out by the head of HMRC before the referendum but was dismissed as project fear.

The fact we are allowing anything and everything in without checking is as you point out because the government have made a complete b0ll0ck5 of it. They've tried (with some success clearly) to dress it up as a Brexit benefit but it actually goes against "taking back control". In fact if you wanted to smuggle something in it would be a piece of p155 - we've completely given up all control.

This country is a wash with class A drugs - this was case when we were in the EU - so what does that say about the quality of checks at our ports. This isn't a Brexit issue and it never was.

No it's completely different and is down to Brexit. All cargo from outside the same customs territory has to have a customs declaration entered onto the system upon arrival. Whether it's physically checked or not isn't the point border force have a declaration of what the cargo is and any revenues due of everything entering our customs territory from outside. This means customs/port health/trading standards have the chance to inspect cargo if they wanted. As is still the case should you bring cargo in by air or sea etc. your cargo isn't released until a customs declaration has been made.

After Brexit all cargo entering the UK is now from a different customs territory, however, because we haven't got our ducks in a row (even now years after leaving) the requirement for road/rail freight via ferry ports and the tunnel is to enter the customs declaration within 24 hours of arrival not at the point of entry. We've created a situation where the significant majority of imports from outside our customs territory can be brought in and delivered before we've even declared to border force what it is and where it's from and somehow that's taking back control. We live in strange times.

But wasn't Brexit all about "securing our borders"


Instead now we've just flung them entirely open, despite the fact there's supposed to be a hard border there.

If only they'd consulted you bully

I think there is a pretty compelling case that Randoms Offa Internet > Boris Johnson and Baron Frost

Baron Frost does sound a good comic book villain though

People who are involved in importing and exporting said this would happen about six years ago.
It's a shame the other side's tactic of "making up lies to stick on a bus" proved more persuasive.

Oh absolutely.

Sal, customs dont and never have opened every box or package entering the county and never have.
As you know, much of what comes in or out, is based on trust, with post checks etc. Container freight does get x rayed but, it always was and always will be possible to
smuggle goods in and out of the country.
The Brexit issues are additional admin costs and delays in moving goods, which varies depending on where they are going and what you are sending/receiving.
One thing that has massively reduced is small trades and online transactions both in and out of the EU as the administration costs are generally prohibitive.
Also, there is absolute necessity to have your passport checked and stamped, which wasn't the case pre Brexit but, that is what "we" voted for.
Freedom of movement ceased in both directions.

The stamping of the passport results from the fact that because of our status we are only allowed a maximum of three months in any six month period in the eu. It is therefore necessary to have an entry and exit stamp to confirm your compliance and yes they do check it.

The Brexit liars are still pretending this is all the fault of the evil EU. Its really pathetic - and so transparent a lie to all but the most devoted to the Brexit cult.

Did you ever go within the EU when we were members and not have your passport checked - I never did - it was always checked. The idea that the EU was free movement without checks is a fallacy