The UK government have just released details of the country’s new Border Target Operating Model (BOTM), which will see a phased introduction from January 2024.

Following Brexit, new import and export procedures have been introduced, but some of the more complex controls, including security, sanitary and phytosanitary procedures, have previously been postponed.

The BTOM was published in draft version this past April, and after feedback and consultation with major stakeholders, the final version was confirmed on August 29th.

Below are the major milestones, as highlighted in the publication, but for those wanting to know more, the full 140 page document can be found HERE.

31 January 2024
  • The introduction of health certification on imports of medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food and feed of nonanimal origin from the EU.
  • The removal of pre notification requirements for low risk plant and plant products from the EU.
30 April 2024
  • The introduction of documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks on medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food and feed of non-animal origin from the EU.
  • Existing inspections of high risk plants/plant products from the EU will move from destination to Border Control Posts.
  • We will also begin to simplify imports from non-EU countries. This will include, the removal of health certification and routine checks on low risk animal products, plants, plant products from non-EU countries as well as reduction in physical and identity check levels on medium-risk animal products from non-EU countries.
31 October 2024
  • The requirement for Safety and Security declarations for imports into Great Britain from the EU or from other territories where the waiver applies will come into force from 31 October 2024 as set out in the original Target Operating Model.
  • Alongside this, we will introduce a reduced dataset for imports and use of the UK Single Trade Window will remove duplication where possible across different pre-arrival datasets – such as pre-lodged customs declarations.
If you have any questions regarding the above, then Westbound are here to help. So, please do not hesitate to contact us.