The UK government has delayed putting in place checks on goods four times after it agreed to do so with the EU as part of its post-Brexit trade agreement.

Post-Brexit checks on goods coming to the UK from the EU are to be reduced, the government has confirmed.

A new model has been announced to “minimise trader burdens and maintain border security while remaining aligned with international standards”.

The government has delayed putting in place the checks four times, which are legally required under the Brexit trade deal with the EU.

But details of the new customs and regulatory process have now been agreed and are set to be introduced later this year.

It is currently a draft and the government wants businesses to provide feedback before it is set in stone.

“The government is delivering on our ambition to have the world’s most effective border,” a Cabinet Office source earlier told Sky News before a draft document outlining the new model was released at lunchtime on Wednesday.

“Our new Target Operating Model will reduce the need for checks for many types of goods.

“We are working with stakeholders and are taking a pragmatic approach to phasing in these controls to give business the opportunity to prepare.”

The changes include:

• A trusted traders scheme to allow frequent importers to avoid trade checks

• Reduce safety and security data requirements down from 37 mandatory fields to 24 – with 13 more optional

• Introduction of the UK Single Trade Window – a single digital gateway for importers and exporters to provide the data needed to trade and apply for licences, submit safety and security data and authorisations for trusted trader schemes

• Removing duplication by improving the use of data

• Removing safety and security requirements for certain outbound freeport goods, outbound transit and fish from UK waters landed in non-UK ports

• Live animals, germinal products, animal products and by-products, plants and plant products will be categorised as high, medium or low risk, with appropriate controls determined by their risk and the country of origin

• Simplified and digitised health certificates

• Support for food businesses who “will need to adapt their businesses and supply chains”.

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The port of Dover was hit by lengthy delays last week as Easter holiday tourists tried to make their way to France but had to endure long queues as border checks took place.

Queues had dissipated by Monday morning but it prompted concerns of delays at other peak times due to French border officials carrying out extra checks and stamping UK passports, as they are now required to do after Brexit.

Over the weekend, Home Secretary Suella Braverman dismissed suggestions the 14-hour delays were due to Brexit but senior Tory MP Sir Robert Buckland then said “there’s no doubt” increased checks due to leaving the EU were part of the problem.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesman then admitted on Monday “new processes” played a role in the delays.