> For instance there is/was no need to inspect any items coming from UK into the EU, since the general assumption is that the standards are still the same as they were pre-brexit, so they don't need to be treated like coming from a country like China or India.

This was never assumed under the current deal; the UK was given a grace period, which has now expired, before full enforcement, but on day one it was clear that inspection and/or barring of some goods (particularly food) would be necessary.