(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations are made in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 141 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, which is amended by S.I. 2020/1481. They amend Commission Implementing (EU) Regulation 2020/466 to extend the period of application of existing easements and provide further temporary easements in the system of official controls in operation in Great Britain, in order to contain risks of serious disruption to the system caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Regulation 2 amends Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/466 to reinstate provision corresponding to Article 3 of that Regulation as it had effect in EU law on its adoption. (Article 3 was omitted by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1087). The reinstated provision permits natural persons specifically authorised by the competent authority to perform official controls and other official activities. Regulation 2 also makes it clear that checks on electronically transmitted documents and other electronic data may be carried out at any location and extends the duration for which the Regulation applies by postponing its expiry date to 1st July 2021.
The Welsh Ministers, in relation to the application of these Regulations in relation to Wales, and the Scottish Ministers, in relation to the application of these Regulations in relation to Scotland, have consented to the Secretary of State making these Regulations.