The UK Government has today (29 August 2023) published a new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), setting out new controls to create a world-class border system based on smarter use of data and technology. As an IPAFFS user, this new model is highly likely to mean a change in process to the way that your goods are imported into Great Britain. The model has been developed in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Governments to implement a coherent approach.    

The BTOM has been developed following extensive engagement with the border industry and businesses across the UK. It incorporates feedback from the Draft Border Target Operating Model which was published in April 2023.  After considering the feedback raised by stakeholders on implementation challenges, we have decided to slightly alter the timeline we originally published in the draft version of the BTOM. This will give businesses and their supply-chains the time they need to prepare.

Please note, that these changes will not affect the movement of qualifying Northern Ireland goods into Great Britain, which will continue to benefit from unfettered access. Nor will they affect the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, arrangements for which are outlined under the Windsor Framework.

New phases of the border TOM Implementation

31 January 2024

Export health certificates and phytosanitary certificates are introduced for medium risk animal products, plants and plant products imported to Great Britain from the EU & EFTA countries including Irish goods, as well as non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods.

Introduction of pre-notification for non-qualifying Northern Ireland and Ireland origin animal products, plant and plant products. 

30 April 2024

Documentary checks and physical and identity checks at the border are introduced for medium risk animal products, plant and plant products imported to Great Britain from the EU & EFTA countries (excluding those goods being imported from the Republic of Ireland).  

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. Pre-notification will no longer be required for low-risk plants and plant products.

31 October 2024

Safety and Security declarations for EU imports will come into force.  

A reduced dataset introduced for imports and use of the UK Single Trade Window will remove duplication where possible across different pre-arrival datasets – such as Safety and Security, and pre-lodged customs declarations.

From 31 October 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 on the west coast of Great Britain. (The date for the commencement of physical checks for non-qualifying goods moving from the island of Ireland will be confirmed in Autumn 2023.)

UK Government