Border Control Post

Following Brexit the UK Government made it a legal requirement for container and ferry ports to build new Border Control Posts “BCP” to allow the various Government bodies to undertake container searches in line with new search expectations. These Government bodies include Border Force, Port Health and APHA.

Bristol Port have complied with this, and it was necessary to build the facility to an agreed high specification with a government contribution of 66% of the total build cost.

In order to recover our expenditure, as well as the ongoing running costs and upkeep in operating the facility, a new levy will need to charged as outlined below:

From 1st September 2023, all import laden containers will be charged a BCP infrastructure charge of £7.00 per unit. This charge will be levied via MCP Destin8 to the nominated agent with an initial validity through to 31st December 2024. The charge will be reviewed annually considering laden container volumes, financing costs and actual costs associated with operating the facility.

This charge does not cover the operational (shunt/scan/labour) costs involved with performing container scans or searches, in line with Port Health/APHA/Border Force requirement, and these charges will remain valid in line with those currently charged via the Shipping Lines.

Unfortunately, this charge is unavoidable given the change to requirement/legislation brought about by Brexit.

Payment terms for BCP invoices are 14 days from date of invoice. 

ISPS charges:

Please note that the ISPS security charge for laden containers at the terminals at Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Dock will be increasing from January 1st 2024 and will be as follows:

NET Charge                 £9.50 per laden container

Invoiced at:                  £10.00 per laden container.

Collection refund  £0.50 per laden container – credited to the agent claiming the box.

Please note that The Bristol Port Company method of charging is:

Imports – invoiced to the clearing agent claiming the container on Destin8

Exports – invoiced to the shipping line.

Rates are subject to VAT.

These new rates will be valid from 1 January 2024 until 31 December 2024.

Payment terms for ISPS invoices are 14 days from date of invoice.