Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many (a) import and (b) export checks have been conducted at the UK Border since 31 January 2020; and how many were undertaken in each of the five years prior to this.

HMRC and Border Force take a risk-based and intelligence-led approach to customs enforcement and have a strong track record in tackling all kinds of non-compliance.

HMRC takes a fair and proportionate approach to compliance, which considers trader behaviour, and the level of risk involved. It uses a range of data to identify customers who may need targeted support to ensure that they are meeting their obligations. HMRC takes appropriate enforcement action where cases of non-compliance or deliberate fraud are detected.

HMRC does not reveal details about its anti-smuggling or targeting methods or compliance techniques. Releasing details about such processes and arrangements and details of the checks carried out would allow opportunistic individuals or companies to arrange their activities in a way that might avoid HMRC’s checks and controls. This would prejudice HMRC's ability to collect customs duties and to prevent or detect crime, and could increase the likelihood of illicit trade.