Below is an update following the latest developments of the UK Governments implementation of border controls for food imports. We will continue to be on hand to provide briefings and support through our Food and Trade Communities.

Target Operating Model (TOM):

• The Target Operating Model (TOM) will manage UK imports of animals, animal-derived products, plants and plant-based products and some foods and feeds.
• The government published details of the draft TOM on 5^th April 2023, which can be found here.
• This was followed by a period of engagement with stakeholders, which ended on 19^th May 2023.
• The Government is due to publish the final TOM in summer 2023 – we’ve been informed there are no confirmed timescales yet.
• A briefing document has been put together here by the BRC to share key elements of the TOM. This includes key dates for its delivery, which span across three milestones between the end of October this year and 31 October 2024. This briefing document has been updated in July, to include links to the publications so far for risk categories for EU SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) imports and simplified EHCs (Export Health Certificates). Note: there has been a project for ecertifications for EHCs, with the aim of developing a fully digital certification system. The exercise programme closed on the 18^th July 2023 and they are moving to the next phase of development.

More About the Trusted Trader Scheme and Single Trade Window Which are Part of TOM:

• The Trusted Trader Scheme is an approach that would allow traders to have less checks on the borders. Instead, checks could be carried out away from the borders, meaning reduced time at the ports, and would allow more streamlined controls. Pilots will be run on this before an evaluation and decision on introducing the approach, and to qualify, traders will need to provide enhanced assurances and evidence that they are meeting regulatory requirements and standards.
• The TOM will be delivered through simplification, digitisation, and a new Single Trade Window. The Single Trade Window is designed to make it easier to submit data, with the aim of removing duplication of data needed to trade. This new technology will be delivered from 2023 and will be fully operational by 2027.

What About Movement of Goods to Northern Ireland Ports?

• The Windsor Framework (see below) sets out arrangements for the movement of goods to Northern Ireland, with a new system of green and red lanes to protect the UK’s internal market, whilst providing assurances on goods destined for the EU.
• The Windsor Framework deal aims to reduce the number of checks and removes some of the restrictions under the Northern Ireland protocol.
• The movement scheme has been named the Northern Ireland (NI) Retail Movement Scheme (Remos), and contains labelling requirements that will be implemented in to three different phases between October 2023 and July 2025.

Windsor Framework – Legislation and Next Steps, Including Guidance:

• The arrangements for the Windsor Framework were adopted on 24^th March 2023 – see here.
• The Windsor Framework detail of arrangements was published on 9^th June 2023 – see here.
• Although the framework is politically adopted, it is not in force until 1 October 2023, so not taken effect until later in the year, and therefore existing measures apply.
• The 1^st tranche of guidance on the labelling requirements for certain products moving from Great Britain to retail premises in Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland (NI) Retail Movement Scheme (Remos) was published on 9^th June 2023 – see here. The guidance includes more information on the three phases from 1 October 2023 to 1 July 2025 for individual product labels that will require the words ‘Not for EU’.
• A list of commodity codes that need individual labels in phase 1 under the scheme can be found here.
• The HMRC have published a policy paper regarding the duty reimbursement scheme tax information and impact note on the following link. BRC guidance on this can be found here.

• The next tranche of guidance is due to be published on 24^th July 2023, and will include further information on the Northern Ireland (NI) Retail Movement Scheme (Remos), and also new guidance for moving plants, seeds, used agricultural and forestry machinery, and seed potatoes to Northern Ireland.
• A questionnaire has been published for products where labelling must be changed by October 2023. The questionnaire is here and although voluntary, it will help with decisions on trade as well as financial support for the phase 1 labelling requirements. The questionnaire is open until the 31^st July 2023.
• The BRC are working with members and Defra to feedback on aspects of the Windsor Framework implementation. We are invited to all key Defra and Trade meetings and will keep you updated via our Food and Trade community pages and working groups.

Authorised Trader Scheme to Northern Ireland (NI) Retail Movement Scheme (Remos):

The Authorised Trader Scheme as part of Stanley will cease and be replaced by the Northern Ireland (NI) Retail Movement Scheme (Remos), which will automatically use the green lane for the movement of goods from Great Britain (GB) to NI.

All 1500 companies currently on Stanley will be automatically moved to the NI Retail Movement Scheme (Remos), to ensure simple movement of food retail goods. The scheme is wider than Stanley, and not limited to retailers. It will also apply to wholesalers, foodservice and hospitality.

What Should my Business be Doing?

• Ensure you are keeping up to date with developments. Through our Trade and Food Community we will be sending details of future border checks.
• Make sure your European suppliers and importers have visibility of these changes and are preparing for future certification and checks.
• Consider whether you or your European suppliers and importers should be involved in discussions on the Trusted Trader Scheme. These could give you and/or your supply chain an edge.
• Consider the impact of delays at borders as they are introduced. Although many businesses will be ready, and Government is introducing concessions such as the Trusted Trader Scheme and e-certification to speed up the process, there may well be delays as the ports begin to handle the increased checks.