Guidance

The Border Target Operating Model: August 2023

This page contains the Border Target Operating Model, our final plans for a new approach to importing goods into Great Britain, that will be progressively introduced from the end of January 2024.

• From: Cabinet Office
• Published: 29 August 2023
• Last updated: 13 February 2024 — See all updates

Documents

The Border Target Operating Model: August 2023

PDF, 23.8 MB, 140 pages

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The Border Target Operating Model: August 2023

HTML

The Border Target Operating Model: August 2023 - Welsh language version

PDF, 23.5 MB, 152 pages

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Details

The final Border Target Operating Model sets 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 plants products) at the border. It sets out how controls will be simplified and digitised, and our ambition for the UK’s new Single Trade Window.

It incorporates and responds to feedback from stakeholders on the earlier draft Border Target Operating Model wherever possible. It has been developed with further collaboration across the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments, and engagement with officials from the devolved administration in Northern Ireland.

We will work closely with stakeholders to prepare for each of the major Border Target Operating Model milestones outlined on page 13 of the document.

If you import food products, live animals, animal products, plants or plant products into Great Britain, you can check the Border Target Operating Model risk-level of your commodity now, to be ready for upcoming changes to border processes.

• From EU Countries: View the Plants and Plant Product Border Target Operating Model risk categories
• From EU Countries: View the Animals and Animal Products Border Target Operating Model risk categories
• From non-EU Countries: View the Plants and Plant Product Border Target Operating Model risk categories
• From non-EU Countries: View the Animals and Animal Products Border Target Operating Model risk categories

The Cabinet Office has also published The Ecosystem of Trust Evaluation Report 2023 alongside the Border Target Operating Model.

The Government has published a series of information leaflets for businesses to help businesses prepare for a new approach to importing goods to Great Britain under the Border Target Operating Model.

For any further queries or questions you have about the final Border Target Operating Model, please contact border.enquiries@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.

Published 29 August 2023
Last updated 13 February 2024 + show all updates

1. 13 February 2024

   Added a link to the page: Border Target Operating Model: information leaflets for businesses

2. 12 September 2023

   Added the document: The Border Target Operating Model: August 2023 - HTML attachment

3. 6 September 2023

   Added links to risk-levels of commodities from non-EU countries

4. 30 August 2023

   Welsh language version of attachment added

5. 29 August 2023

   First published.