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On 29 August, the UK government released the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), presenting a phased strategy for the implementation of measures designed to strengthen the country’s security and biosecurity resilience. As expected, the UK Government decided for a three-month postponement for the introduction of residual sanitary and phytosanitary controls, as well as complete customs controls for non-qualifying goods intended for Northern Ireland. These measures are set to take effect starting January 2024.

The timeline for the implementation of the Border Target Operating Model is planned as follows:

• 31 January 2024: Health certification will become obligatory for imports of medium-risk animal products, plant products, and high-risk non-animal origin food and feed from the EU.
• 30 April 2024: Documentary and risk-based identity checks will commence for medium-risk animal products, plant products, and high-risk non-animal origin food and feed from the EU. A new risk-based model will be introduced, and inspections of high-risk plants and plant products from the EU will transition from their destination to Border Control Posts (BCPs).
•  31 October 2024: Safety and security declarations will become mandatory for EU imports.

The complete BTOM document is accessible via this link.

Source: UK Government