Yesterday (18 November) the Government published an updated Border Operating Model. This new iteration of the model reflects the revised timetable for the introduction of UK border import controls, as announced on 14 September. It also provides additional material on the detailed implementation of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls and the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS). This update will bring the Border Operating Model in
line with other guidance available on GOV.UK. This updated Border Operating Model will continue to help businesses which trade with the
EU to understand the approaching new requirements and those which are already in effect. Further detail on the implementation of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls:
- Since 1 Jan 2021, documentary, identity and physical checks on imports of live animals and high-priority plants and plant products have taken place at the point of destination and pre-notification requirements will be required for products of animal origin (POAO), animal by-products (ABP), and high risk food not of animal origin (HRFNAO) from January 2022.
In September, the Government updated traders that full EU to GB sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import controls would commence from 1 July 2022. To deliver these changes smoothly UKG will introduce certification, documentary and physical checks, by commodity groups for animal products, plant and plant products, in three phases between 1 July 2022 and 1 November 2022.
The following is a summary of the controls and when they will be implemented:
From 1st July, certification and physical and identity checks will be introduced for:
- All remaining regulated animal by-products;
- All regulated plants and plant products;
- All meat and meat products
- All remaining high-risk food not of animal origin.
From 1st September, certification and physical checks will be introduced for all dairy products.
- From 1st November certification and physical checks will be introduced for all remaining regulated products of animal origin, including composite products and fish products.
- High-priority plants and plant products checks will transfer from place of destination to designated BCPs and control points from 1st July 2022.
- Live animal checks will also transfer incrementally from point of destination to designated border control posts from 1 st July 2022 as facilities are ready and designated.
Defra will provide further information on the phased approach to physical SPS checks from the New Year.
You can find the full BOM here.