United Kingdom border Target Operating Model

In the light of its departure from the European Union, the United Kingdom is in the process of updating and streamlining its border control measures and mechanisms. In addition to the new UK Single Trade window and reduced regulatory burden for all imports, the proposed Border Target Operating Model will put in place new and state-of-the art Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls at the UK’s borders. The measures will apply in respect of those regions in the UK territory that are not subject to a special arrangement. In respect specifically of imports of live animals, germinal products, animal products, plants and plant products, the approach under the new model will have the following three key elements:A new global risk-based approach: live animals, germinal products, products of animal origin, animal by-products, plants and plant products will be categorised as high, medium or low risk, with controls appropriately weighted against the risks posed both by the commodity and the country of origin;Simplified and digitised health certificates: phytosanitary certificates will be digitised in line with our trade partners’ readiness, and will implement simplified and digitised export health certificates for animal products leading to more automated use of data;Use trust: pilot schemes with industry where authorised importers of plants, plant products and some animal products may be eligible for streamlined controls. To qualify they will need to provide the enhanced assurances and evidence that they are meeting the regulatory requirements and standards.
The development of the UK Single Trade Window will underpin this new approach to controls. This will provide a single digital gateway for both importers and exporters to provide the data needed to trade and apply for licences and authorisations for trusted trader schemes.Timeline for implementationThe United Kingdom will implement the new SPS regime in three major stages, with legislation introduced in accordance with the following timetable under the Target Operating Model. The phased implementation is driven by three factors: the need for effective management of biosecurity, public health, and biosecurity concerns such as plant, animal, human health and safety; reasonable period for consultation, preparation, and adjustment for stakeholders and trading partners; and the speed of progress, working with stakeholders [and trading partners] in building the systems and infrastructure required under the new model, including the roll-out of the UK Single Trade Window.Statutory instruments implementing the model will be introduced in accordance with the following three major milestones:●      31 October 2023 - 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 European Union;●      31 January 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 European Union. Imports of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods from the rest of the world will also benefit from the updated risk-based model. Existing inspections of high-risk plants/plant products from the European Union will move from destination to Border Control Posts (BCP);●      31 October 2024 – Updated safety and security declarations will come into force from 31 October 2024. To note, for exporters from almost all countries there will be no change to declarations required. 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 Safety and Security, Sanitary and Phytosanitary, and pre-lodged customs declarations.Following the engagement period further information will be provided in a final version of the Target Operating Model and the publication of a detailed Border Operating Model to provide the necessary detail for system alignment requirements. We will work in partnership with industry and trading partners as we define requirements for the UK Single Trade Window.