Policy & Compliance
The Border Target Operating Model: A missed opportunity? The recently published Border Target Operating Model sets out how controls will be simpli fi ed and digitised over the year ahead, which are explained here. However, there are a number of reasons for traders to be concerned, as explored here by Robert Windsor
O n 29 August 2023, the government published the fi nal Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) setting out a new approach to security controls (applying to all imports), and sanitary and phytosanitary controls (applying to imports of live animals, animal products, plants and plant products) at the border. It sets out how controls will be simpli fi ed and digitised, and the government’s ambition for the UK’s new Single Trade Window, which is still under development. Before its delayed release, there had been much comment on the reasons for the delay and what would be contained within the BTOM when published. The reader found it a disappointing document; there is very little new within it although it has expanded from 67 pages, containing 228 paragraphs, to 97 pages with a total of 392 paragraphs plus numerous appendices. In many ways the document is as expected – more of a policy document than an operational guide. The document faces two ways at once – trying to finalise the last and perhaps most complex issues remaining for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, whilst there is a clear attempt to set a direction of travel by modernising certain frontier activities via the
implementation of the first stages of the Single Trade Window (STW). Importantly the document covers Britain’s trade and associated controls for the UK’s global trade, not just trade with the EU as previous documents such as the Border Operating Model (BOM) did. Global trade It is suggested that Members familiarise themselves with the BTOM’s contents and where to find the most important information, particularly those engaged with trade in SPS goods to/from the EU. Government intends to implement the model through three major milestones, which are as follows: 31 January 2024 – 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. The removal of pre-notification requirements for low-risk plant and plant products from the EU. 30 April 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
“ It is suggested that Members familiarise themselves with the BTOM’s contents and where to fi nd the most important
14 | October 2023
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