September 11, 2023

New measures by UK's Border Target Operating Model to protect against biosecurity threats

The United Kingdom's Border Target Operating Model has set out new controls to better protect the country against security and biosecurity threats as it creates a world-class border system for trade in goods.

The model introduces a new global regime for security and biosecurity controls, including bringing in controls on imports from the European Union for the first time and using Brexit freedoms to simplify import controls on goods from across the globe, the UK government said.

The model will make smarter use of data and technology to ensure a more efficient trading experience for businesses. It removes duplication and reduces the volume of data and paperwork required from businesses when importing goods.

In addition to the model, the Single Trade Window is another flagship border development which also employs smarter use of data and technology. It will streamline import and export trade processes and provide a single gateway through which businesses can supply trade data to the government. Under this system, information will only need to be submitted by traders once and in one place, removing complexity and duplication from the system.

To give stakeholders additional time to prepare for the new checks, controls have a revised timetable for next year:

    - January 31: The introduction of health certification on imports of medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food (and feed) of non-animal origin from the EU;

    - April 30: 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. At this point, Imports of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods from the rest of the world will begin to benefit from the new risk based model, the UK government said;

    - October 31: Safety and Security declarations for EU imports will come into force. Alongside this, the UK will introduce a reduced dataset for imports.

- UK Government