Draft GB Border Target Operating Model

The Cabinet Office has published the draft GB Border Target Operating Model with details of the processes and checks to be phased in from later this year on medium and high-risk imported food products of animal origin and imported plants/plant products arriving in GB. The clear position from the Cabinet Office is that businesses should work with their supply chains to prepare for these changes now. 

The key elements of the model are the three delivery 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 EU.
• 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 EU. At this point, imports of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods from the rest of the world will begin to benefit from the Target Operating Model. Existing inspections of high-risk plants/plant products from the EU will move from the destination to Border Control Posts (BCPs) in GB.
• 31 October 2024 - Safety and Security declarations for EU imports will come into force from 31 October 2024. 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.

For Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls, the UK Government’s 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: will digitise phytosanitary certificates from late 2023 with take-up depending on UK trade partners’ readiness. Implement simplified export health certificates in Spring 2023 for animal products, and deliver digitised export health certificates in 2024 leading to more automated use of data; 

• Use trust: will 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 (STW) will underpin this new approach to controls, providing 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.  

A consultation is live until 19 May on the implementation of the draft proposals and a final version will be published later this year. 

Cabinet Office Engagement Activities: 

Safety & Security (S&S) Regime Teach In - Online (Wednesday 12th April, 11am-12pm, sign up here)

• Purpose - This is a general teach-in on the basic principles of the S&S regime. The session is for those interested in learning about the S&S process when moving goods into and out of the UK.
• Target audience - The new S&S requirements will mostly affect those importing from the EU who do not already export from GB or import from the Rest of the World, and the carrier (or operator of the active means of transport) who is required to submit the S&S declaration.  
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• Cabinet Office In Person Event - London (Monday 17th April, 10am-4pm)

• Purpose - Allow a diverse range of stakeholders to test and challenge the model with opportunity to have breakout sessions on specifics areas
• Target audience - A wide range of industry groups and stakeholders
• There are restricted numbers to this event. To express an interest, please contact: border.enquiries@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. Registration will close at midday, Wednesday 12th April

• Cabinet Office Seaports and Airports Workshop - Online (Tuesday 18th April, 2-4pm, sign up here)
• Purpose - Test the draft model and capture critical insights from the air/maritime community
• Target audience - Seaports/Airports and those organisations that represent the ports

• Cabinet Office Carriers Workshop - Online (Monday 24th April, 2-4pm, sign up here)
• Purpose - Test the draft model and capture critical insight specific to the maritime and aviation sectors
• Target audience - Organisations representing the maritime and aviation sectors

• Cabinet Office Hauliers, Logistics & Customs Intermediaries  Workshop - Online (Wednesday 26th April, 2-4pm, sign up here)
• Purpose - To test the draft model and capture critical insight and feedback from the haulage and logistics sector
• Target audience - Carriers - airlines, ferry and rail operators

• Cabinet Office Final Workshop, Stakeholder Reflections - Online (Wednesday 17th May, 2-4pm, sign up here)
• Purpose - To provide reflections on the themes and issues raised during the engagement period
• Target audience - Wide range of industry groups and stakeholders