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As of 31st January 2024, significant changes in Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) goods controls at the UK border will come into effect, as part of the UK's new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM). This model is an integral part of the UK's strategy to enhance border security and biosecurity, while ensuring the smooth flow of trade. It introduces a risk-based, digital approach to streamline the import-export process, thereby reducing administrative burdens and costs for businesses.

As per the new regulations, from January 31st, all imports of medium-risk plants and plant products will require a Phytosanitary Certificate. Health Certificates will be required for certain animal products, with these goods undergoing documentary, identity, and physical controls at the border. From April 30th, 2024, documentary and physical checks at the border will be introduced for medium-risk animal products and plant products imported to Great Britain from the EU and EFTA countries.

Key actions for EU stakeholders include familiarising with the new UK Customs and SPS requirements, ensuring goods have the necessary Certificates and sending an Import Notification to the UK authorities. Import notifications will be required from 31 January 2024 for EU consignments of animal products and some plants and plant products imported from the island of Ireland that are not Northern Ireland Qualifying Goods. ( Note, that this is a new requirement! ) Import notifications must be made in advance of the goods arriving in the UK using the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS). It is essential for businesses to engage with their supply chains and prepare for these changes to minimize disruption.

Source:  UK Government