UK Border Target Operating Model changes from October 31st

The UK published a draft of its future Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) in April and since then has engaged in a series of consultations with industry.   The final document is expected in the coming weeks, but importers into the UK, particularly of products of animal or plant origin, need to start preparations for these changes.

These changes will impact how supply chains operate for all imports into the UK and all products of animal origin that transit through the UK using the Landbridge. 

The BTOM outlines changes that will occur over three phases:

• 31^st October 2023
  • Requirement for UK import declarations for all imports into the UK. This will require registration for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) for all imports into the UK.
  • Risk-based approach to security / biosecurity for all imports from the EU, including Ireland
    • Pre-notification is required on the import of products, animals, food, and feed systems (IPAFFS) for all:
      • High, medium, and low-risk products of animal origin and composite products
      • High- and medium-risk plants and plant products
    • Requirement for accompanying health certificates for high- and medium-risk products of animal origin
    • Requirement for accompanying phytosanitary certificates for high- and medium risk plants and plant products
  • 31^st January 2024
    • Implementation of routine physical and identity checks at border control posts for products of animal origin and plants and plant products from the EU
    • A later date will be advised on these inspections for imports from Ireland
  • 31^st October 2024
    • The UK has indicated a series of further changes, including a single trade window, simplification and increased digitisation of customs processes, and a trusted trader programme

Companies are encouraged to understand the specific requirements for their products and to engage with logistics providers, government agencies, and customers to prepare for the upcoming changes.

Companies (or their representatives) will be required to register for the required UK import systems (GVMS and IPAFFS, where applicable), and these registrations will require access to a UK government account and a UK address.

We participated with Bord Bia, the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, and O’Toole Transport in a webinar on this topic on 12^th July.  A recording of that webinar is available here.