Guidance

The Border Target Operating Model: Draft for Feedback (HTML)

Updated 29 August 2023

This guidance was withdrawn on 13 September 2023

The final Border Target Operating Model was published on 29 August 2023.

Introduction

Ministerial foreword

When the United Kingdom left the European Union in 2020, we became responsible for designing and implementing our own border arrangements, the biosecurity, animal health and welfare, and food safety elements of which are devolved to the Scottish and Welsh Governments. This provides us with the responsibility and opportunity to control goods coming into our country and to ensure that we use advances in technology to simplify and streamline import and export trade processes for business.

The Border Target Operating Model, published here in draft form, sets out a new model for importing goods into the UK from countries inside and outside the EU. It will move us closer to our goal of creating the most effective border in the world, by introducing an improved regime of sanitary, phytosanitary and security controls on imports. These controls are essential to maintaining our biosecurity and will better protect us and our environment from invasive pests and diseases, protect public health, deliver food that is safe to eat whilst maintaining security of supply for consumers, and disrupt criminal activity before it can harm our communities.

Backed by over a £1 billion investment in border transformation across this spending review period, this model takes a data-driven approach to managing our border, utilising tech to reduce the reams of paperwork firms are currently forced to complete when they do business. It will eradicate the cumbersome and frustrating approach currently taken to carrying out checks, replacing it with a more targeted, risk-based system that is underpinned by evidence and data.

To ensure enough time for proper preparedness, we will implement this Border Target Operating Model across three milestones between the end of October this year and October 31 2024. Traders, ports, port health officials, logistics and transport companies and technology firms will all be vital to the delivery of the new approach set out in this document and we will continue to work with them all over the coming weeks on its implementation.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG,
Minister of State, Cabinet Office

Rt Hon Lord Benyon
Minister for Biosecurity, Marine and Rural Affairs, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Rt Hon Robert Jenrick,
Minister for Immigration, Home Office

William Quince MP
Minister for Health and Secondary Care, Department for Health and Social Care

Mairi Gougeon MSP,
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Scottish Government

Vaughan Gething AS/MS
Gweinidog yr Economi/Minister for Economy Llywodraeth Cymru/Welsh Government

Victoria Atkins MP,
Financial Secretary to the Treasury, His Majesty’s Treasury

Executive Summary

Background and context for this document

In April 2022, the UK Government decided not to introduce the final set of planned controls on EU imports. As we announced at the time we have instead worked with industry to develop a new model for imports into Great Britain (GB). This new ‘Border Target Operating Model’ applies to imports from all countries into GB, and will for the first time implement the new approach for all trading partners, including the EU. It seeks to balance the need for effective border controls with the need to support businesses with import processes that are as simple as possible. It does this by harnessing our new freedom to set our own border policy and integrating the technological transformations set out in our 2025 UK Border Strategy. Although the new model is focussed on improving how goods are imported, it sits alongside, and supports, our wider efforts to drive UK exports and reach £1 Trillion of exports annually by the end of the decade.

This document sets out the new model that has been developed through engagement with stakeholders, collaboration across the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments, and engagement with officials from the devolved administration in Northern Ireland. It is designed to set out to importers, the border industry and wider stakeholders the processes they will need to go through in order to import goods once the Border Target Operating Model is implemented. Our objective in publishing this draft document is to allow stakeholders to comment on the proposals before we publish a final version in May or early June.

A new model for imports

The Border Target Operating Model proposes a new approach to security controls (applying to all imports), and Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls (applying to imports of live animals, germinal products, animal products, plants and plant products) at the border. It sets out how controls will be delivered through simplification, digitisation and the UK’s new Single Trade Window.

For Safety and Security controls, our approach has been to minimise trader burdens and maintain border security while remaining aligned with international standards. Under our new model, we will:

• reduce the Safety and Security data requirements down from the current 37-field dataset to 24 mandatory fields. The remaining 13 fields will be optional;

• make it easier to submit Safety and Security data through the UK Single Trade window;

• improve the use of data by the UK Government to remove duplication (for example by allowing the use of Transit Security Accompanying Documents in place of separate Safety and Security and Transit declarations).

• remove Safety and Security requirements for the following categories of movement: certain outbound freeport goods, outbound transit and fish from UK waters landed in non-UK ports.

For Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls, our approach under the new model will have the following three key elements:

• A new global risk-based approach: live animals, germinal products, products of animal origin, animal by-products, plants and plant products will be categorised as high, medium or low risk, with controls appropriately weighted against the risks posed both by the commodity and the country of origin;

• Simplified and digitised health certificates: we will digitise phytosanitary certificates from 2023 with take-up depending our trade partners’ readiness. We will implement simplified export health certificates in Spring 2023 for animal products, and deliver digitised export health certificates in 2024 leading to more automated use of data;

• Use trust: we will pilot schemes with industry where authorised importers of plants, plant products and some animal products may be eligible for streamlined controls. To qualify they will need to provide the enhanced assurances and evidence (as set out below) that they are meeting the regulatory requirements and standards.

The development of the UK Single Trade Window will underpin this new approach to controls. This will provide a single digital gateway for both importers and exporters to provide the data needed to trade and apply for licences and authorisations for trusted trader schemes.

We recognise the complexity of the food-supply chain and will strive to ensure the introduction of new controls to mitigate biosecurity risks does not negatively impact the resilience or reliability of the UK’s food supply chain which is important to consumers. We appreciate that businesses and their supply-chains will need to adapt their business models in response to the introduction of these new controls, and particularly the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary regime. We will support them wherever possible to do so. Businesses that use different models of groupage will be most impacted and we have set out specific approaches to supporting them.

Timeline for implementation

We are proposing a phased approach to introduction of the new model driven by several factors: the need for effective management of biosecurity, public health, food safety and security risks; the need to give businesses sufficient time to prepare; the need to ensure supply-chains have time to adapt and are not disrupted; and the speed at which we can work with stakeholders to build the systems and infrastructure required under the new model, including the roll-out of the UK Single Trade Window. We will make any required changes to legislation to support delivery of the Target Operating Model when parliamentary time allows.

We propose to implement the model through three major milestones^{[footnote 1]}:

• 31 October 2023 - The introduction of health certification on imports of medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food and feed of non-animal origin from the EU.

• 31 January 2024 - The introduction of documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks on medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food and feed of non-animal origin from the EU. At this point, imports of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods from the rest of the world will begin to benefit from the new risk based model. Existing inspections of high-risk plants/plant products from the EU will move from destination to BCPs.

• 31 October 2024 - Safety and Security declarations for EU imports will come into force from 31 October 2024. Alongside this, we will introduce a reduced dataset for imports and use of the UK Single Trade Window will remove duplication where possible across different pre-arrival datasets – such as Safety and Security, Sanitary and Phytosanitary, and pre-lodged customs declarations.

Following the engagement period we will provide further information in a final version of the Target Operating Model and publish a detailed Border Operating Model to provide the necessary detail for system alignment requirements. We will work in partnership with industry as we define requirements for the UK Single Trade Window.

This document seeks feedback on the new Border Target Operating model and stakeholders’ ability to implement the timeline above. While we wish to gather and respond to stakeholder feedback, we believe the timeline represents a sensible balance between the time required to prepare and the need to implement these important controls as soon as practicable.

It is our firm intention to proceed with the first milestone on 31 October 2023, the introduction of health certification on medium risk animal products, such as meat, dairy, fish and high risk food and feed of non-animal origin imported from the EU, and phytosanitary certificates for phytosanitary goods imported from the EU. Businesses should work with their supply chains to prepare for this change now.

How this applies to Irish goods and Northern Ireland Qualifying Goods arriving from Ireland

For goods moving into Northern Ireland from Great Britain, arrangements are set out under the recently agreed Windsor Framework. The Windsor Framework delivers a new system of green and red lanes at Northern Ireland ports for movements from Great Britain, in order to protect the UK’s internal market, whilst also providing reassurances on goods destined for the European Union. At the same time, Northern Ireland businesses and citizens will continue to be able to purchase goods from the European Union with no new barriers. None of the additional checks or controls set out in this Border Target Operating Model will apply to imports into Northern Ireland from the EU, providing Northern Ireland traders with full access to the EU market.

There will be separate engagement with, and guidance for, businesses on the new arrangements under the Windsor Framework, and therefore these are not covered in further detail within this document. Following this engagement, final arrangements for moving goods from Northern Ireland and Ireland will be confirmed in the final Border Target Operating Model we will publish later this year.

In line with the introduction of border controls on EU imports set out within the Border Target Operating Model, businesses from Ireland will face new checks and controls when moving Irish goods (i.e any good which is not a Qualifying Northern Irish goods) from Irish ports (e.g. Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort) directly to Great Britain (e.g Liverpool port and Holyhead port). As well as implementing the new biosecurity and security controls set out in this Border Target Operating Model on Irish goods moving direct from Ireland to Great Britain, we will also bring in full customs controls for these movements, changing the current arrangements that apply when these goods arrive into GB ports receiving traffic from Irish ports.

Further to the Windsor Framework, we will ensure that Northern Ireland businesses have unfettered access when moving goods to their most important market in Great Britain. These arrangements will be enshrined and further strengthened in domestic legislation, avoiding burdens for Northern Irish goods on both direct Northern Ireland-GB and indirect Northern Ireland-Ireland-GB routes.

This approach will entrench a significant competitive advantage for Northern Irish businesses on the island of Ireland, reflecting Northern Ireland’s integral place in the United Kingdom’s internal market.

We will phase in controls on Irish goods moving from Irish ports to GB from October 2023 and will work with stakeholders, and the Scottish and Welsh Governments, to ensure this is done in a way which is fully compliant with the legal obligations in the UK Internal Market Act. Further detail is set out in section 3 of this document.

How we will gather stakeholder feedback

The draft Border Target Operating Model was developed over 2022 in consultation with stakeholders through a range of workshops and discussions.

We think it is important that stakeholders have a further chance to comment on the proposals before they are finalised given how critical the private sector and border authorities are to implementing any new model. We want to test this draft version of the Border Target Operating Model with stakeholders. The engagement period will run for 6 weeks until [15 May].

Key questions we want to test with stakeholders

There are four key questions we want to pose to stakeholders about the Border Target Operating Model. Within the document we have highlighted specific points we would welcome stakeholders considering when responding to these questions.

Question 1: What are your views on the new model for Safety and Security controls, their impact on businesses and their implementation?

The specific points we would welcome stakeholders considering are:

• Taking into account the need to secure the border, if there are any further measures you would like us to consider, to reduce the burden of Safety and Security controls within the context of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) framework. - Please see here for further detail.

• If there are any further opportunities to deliver data efficiencies through the Single Trade Window. - Please see here for further detail.

• If this document provides enough detail to start making preparations for the new Safety and Security model; if you would require further information to prepare for the introduction of Safety and Security controls. - Please see here for further detail.

• Safety and Security Entry Declarations (ENS) can be amended up to the point of arrival. Are you aware of this process? - Please see here for further detail.

Question 2: What are your views on the new model for Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls, its impact on biosecurity, animal health and welfare, food safety, businesses, as well as its implementation?

The specific points we would welcome stakeholders considering are:

• The impact of the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods regimes on your supply chain whether you are an importer or exporter. - Please see here for further detail.

• The impact of the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods regime on your specific business model, particularly in relation to the use of groupage for importing. - Please see here for further detail.

• How the pilots for Trusted Trader Schemes for Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods might operate effectively. - Please see here for further detail.

Question 3: What challenges exist for the private sector in meeting the proposed timeline for introducing the new model, and how can specific business models for importing be further supported to prepare?

The specific points we would welcome stakeholders considering are:

• If there may be any operational difficulties when implementing Sanitary and Phytosanitary import controls using the current business processes and systems. - Please see here for further detail.

• If any changes to systems would have an impact on sensitive supply chains. - Please see here for further detail.

Question 4: What further detail is needed in order for businesses to prepare for and implement the new Border Target Operating Model?

The specific points we would welcome stakeholders considering are:

• We would welcome views on how our proposed approach to implementing a cross-government approach to authorisations for Trusted Trader status could be made as simple as possible for businesses to use. - Please see here for further detail.

How to respond

Written feedback
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback on the proposals via the online portal, but written responses can also be submitted by email to border.enquiries@cabinetoffice.gov.uk, or sent in the post to Borders Group, Cabinet Office, 100 Parliament Street, London SW1A 2BQ.

Stakeholder events
We will run a programme of engagement with stakeholder groups from all the nations of the UK and with international partners. These will bring stakeholders and policy teams from government together to discuss and test the proposals set out in the Border Target Operating Model. There will be sector specific workshops and international engagement events, as well as wider stakeholder groups and bespoke sessions. You can sign-up for an event here.

How will the responses be used?

The insights from stakeholders, both through the online survey and engagement events, will be used to refine the Border Target Operating Model before the final version of the model is published in June.

Guide to this Document

This document is designed to help UK importers and exporters and their supply chains, the border and logistics industry, ports, and other interested stakeholders including the UK’s trading partners understand the new Border Target Operating Model and related improvements to the UK border occurring ahead of 2025.

Section 1: Border Target Operating Model for imports

This section sets out the principles of the new model for imports before covering the changes to the Safety and Security and Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls regimes in detail. Importers, overseas exporters, and the logistics industry should read this section to understand what actions they will need to take to import their goods, and how those goods will be treated.

Section 2: Border industry and port requirements

This section sets out what the border industry and ports will need to do in order to operationalise the model. Ports and the border industry should consult this section to understand what role we anticipate they will play in the model and how we want to work with them to design the detailed delivery plans that will underpin the Border Target Operating Model.

Section 3: Implementation timeline for the Border Target Operating Model

This section sets out the timeline for phasing in the model and the milestones stakeholders will need to prepare for. Importers, overseas exporters, the logistics industry and ports should read this section to know when new requirements will be in place. This section also sets out how the timeline for implementation of the Border Target Operating Model sits within the larger portfolio of border transformations we will deliver over the coming years.

Section 4: Improving the border for exporters

This section sets out the UK Government’s ambitions to support exporters and outlines specific improvements we have or will implement in the coming years alongside implementation of the Border Target Operating Model.

Section 5: Changes to the passenger model

This section sets out the transformations that the Home Office and Border Force are implementing to modernise and automate the movement of passengers through UK ports. Ports and the border industry should read this section to understand how changes in passenger movements will happen in parallel to changes in how goods move across the border.

Section 1: Border Target Operating Model for imports

1.1 Overview of the new model

Summary of the new model for imports

In April 2022, the UK Government decided not to introduce further Safety and Security requirements or Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls which apply to animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food and feed of non-animal origin on imports into GB from the EU that had been planned for July 2022 onwards.

Following that decision, the UK and Devolved Governments, in collaboration with traders and the border industry, have developed a new Border Target Operating Model.

The new Border Target Operating Model is significantly different to the model we were originally going to introduce in July 2022. It brings together policy and process improvement, technology and better use of data to implement a new model for importing goods into GB. This will introduce the best possible arrangements for those importing from the EU, and improve the experience of those importing from non-EU countries. It will do this by reducing the complexity of the UK’s security, biosecurity and public health border controls; reducing the paperwork and certification required, and; aligning the requirements and frequency of physical checks to the risk presented. Where action is required from importers the digitisation of data submission processes will minimise the need to resubmit data.

An overview of the process a typical business importing goods into GB will need to go through under the new model is set out below. This summarises the key data they must provide, when they must provide supporting documentation and when a physical check of their goods may be required.

Figure 1: Summary of how the Border Target Operating Model will improve the import process

Benefits of the model to the UK

We believe the Border Target Operating Model represents one of the most intelligent and data-driven border models in the world. Compared to the original import model that would have been introduced in 2022, we believe this new model will reduce costs to businesses by around £400m per annum by reducing the complexity and volume of paperwork associated with importing.

Safety and Security presents one of the best post-EU Exit border security improvement opportunities to protect the country. The additional pre-arrival data for EU imports will mean more intelligent risking of cargo, allowing us to have the right people in the right place at the right time to stop illegal goods hitting the UK streets.

In development of the new Safety and Security model we have reviewed the Safety and Security requirements, reducing the data set to security-critical items whilst retaining flexibility for those already making declarations.

Border controls are one important part of a robust import system to ensure our food is safe and that we are protected from animal and plant diseases. The new model for Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls will deliver benefits to businesses, while providing robust controls needed to protect the UK’s biosecurity and ensure that consumers have access to high-quality and safe food products.

The UK’s Biological Security Strategy, published in 2018 and soon to be updated, sets out the challenges faced in maintaining our biological security and how those threats are managed. It recognised that one of the most serious risks societies face today comes from outbreaks of disease. Such outbreaks threaten lives and livelihoods and generate significant social, economic and environmental impacts. Large scale disease outbreaks in animals or plants do not respect international boundaries and the threat they pose has grown as the world becomes increasingly interconnected. As a global trading nation, the UK is exposed to these risks, and border controls are a key tool to manage them.

Sanitary and Phytosanitary border controls are based on data about regulated goods, which enables the targeting of more intensive checks, the assurance of official certification, and physical inspection to provide assurance that goods have been accurately certified. Three critical components of import health controls systems are:

• Pre-notification, which supports action at points of entry, allowing officials to target their activities at shipments posing the biggest risk. The detail allows traceability, enabling animal, plant and public health authorities to identify and respond to an outbreak or emerging threat.

• Health certification, that requires authorised officials in exporting countries to certify that the goods have been produced to the safe standards required by the importing country as well as a process to monitor those through documentary checks.

• Physical inspection, usually at a border control post, allows health officials to check that goods match the health certification, to identify any trends of concern in non-compliance and to sample the goods for any pests and diseases.

We only import from countries that we already know are managing their animal and plant health appropriately through country listing. The exporting countries are audited and their production establishments are inspected by their competent authorities and need to meet specific requirements to export to the UK. At present, goods from the EU enter the UK without certification and checks, apart from those required for the highest-risk live animals, germinal products and plants. The Border Target Operating Model introduces proportionate controls that will protect the agri-food sector and public health. These are vital to avoid diseases that could devastate UK industries and our ability to export.

The risks from inadequate controls are significant and dynamic. There are also significant disease hazards associated with a wide range of imported commodities: a recent UK-wide Salmonella outbreak caused by chicken products originating from the EU, resulted in over 1000 confirmed cases of illness (with potentially as many as 4000 additional cases which were not confirmed/reported) and cost an estimated £7.7m. Biosecurity measures also reduce the risk of importing diseases, including zoonotic diseases, which are responsible for c.75% of new and emerging infectious diseases in humans (including those with pandemic potential).

Case Study: African Swine Fever and Border Controls

An outbreak of African Swine Fever would be a fundamental threat to the viability of our pig industry.

African Swine Fever is widespread in a number of countries on the European Continent, both inside and outside the EU. Recent routine inspection of retail shops by local authorities in the UK detected frozen, raw and uncooked meat products marked clearly as suitable only for sale in the originating EU country. Further investigations found these products had been purchased by two importers, linked to over 280 retail outlets in the UK. These products were exported commercially, and properly pre-notified on the UK imports system. Although the products didn’t test positive for African Swine Fever on this occasion the very fact that these products reached the UK presents a serious and immediate threat to the UK pig industry.

These goods would not have made it to the UK if Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls had been in place because they would not have been certified for export by a veterinarian in the originating country.

In developing the new model, our goal has been to design a modern border with a simplified but effective system of Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls. This is a border that optimises the balance between maintaining, or improving, biosecurity, public health and food safety and sets a proportionate regulatory burden. We recognise that some goods inherently carry lower risk, for example highly processed commodities from production systems that we trust, and for these we recognise that appropriate pre-notification and intelligence based checks can provide sufficient protection and balance the relative burdens. Trade partners’ confidence in our animal and plant health standards, including official controls at the border, is essential to our ability to export and to strike new trade deals.

A cross-government approach to Trusted Trader authorisations

The 2025 UK Border Strategy set out the ambition to create a cross-government approach to authorising businesses for Trusted Trader status (where a trader goes through an upfront assurance process in order to be granted authorisation to use facilitations not available to traders by default) that sees these approaches expanded across different compliance regimes. The Border Target Operating Model seeks to deliver on this ambition, and incorporate Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls into our approach to Trusted Trader authorisations.

Currently, the UK Government’s ‘Trusted Trader’ offer comprises over 80 schemes for customs and excise administered by HMRC, such as the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) and Authorised Consignee/Consignor (ACC) for transit users and excise warehousing. Benefits range from reduced checks at the border to the ability to defer customs and excise duty and import VAT payments. For excise authorisations, without the required authorisations and approvals, businesses cannot produce excise products such as beer, tobacco or road fuels.

The existing customs and excise authorisations schemes do not have systemic read across to one another and traders must re-enter information for each authorisation. Further, there is no central platform where a business can manage or apply for schemes they are eligible for. In addition, Government’s existing Trusted Trader offering is focused on customs and excise authorisations, with few facilitations offered for other controls regimes, such as Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls.

Through the Border Target Operating model we will create a joined-up approach to our Trusted Trader offering.

• HMRC will radically simplify its existing schemes for trusted traders through the Modernising Authorisations project. This will streamline the current suite of customs authorisations and digitise the current paper-based application/management process for customs and excise authorisations. Authorisations will be more visible to traders making it easier for them to identify and access those authorisations which are most suitable for their needs.

• The UK Single Trade Window will create a single gateway for application and management of Trusted Trader status. This will save traders the administrative burden of capturing data multiple times, and the applications and guidance for authorisations schemes will also be held on a single platform. Traders applying for authorisations will have a more straightforward customer journey where data is not requested on multiple occasions. When a trader’s capability and volume of trade grows such that they wish to move away from third party services and undertake customs processes directly, they will be able to access and manage their authorisations more easily. This approach will make it more straightforward to apply for Trusted Trader schemes and will help smaller firms to start importing, thus encouraging them to apply for further facilitations as they become more mature. Traders who hold existing authorisations will be onboarded to the new platform and will be able to review and amend all of their held authorisations in one place and use their data to apply for additional schemes. The UK Single Trade Window is designed so that in the future, new features can be incorporated. In the context of a trusted trader scheme, this means that the trusted trader offer can expand if further facilitations are developed for traders.

• As set out in the detail of the new approach to Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls below, we will work with industry to pilot new Trusted Trader authorisations for Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods. These pilots will explore whether it is possible for businesses to demonstrate compliance and provide the necessary assurance to manage biosecurity, animal health and welfare, and food safety risks.

• In addition, we are working with industry, through our Ecosystem of Trust pilots, to test the most advanced border model we can conceive of, where tech, data and policy come together to result in near frictionless movement across the border for Trusted Traders. The pilots test all the underpinning technology and data insights that can provide assurances to government about the movement of goods, allowing it to deliver more facilitated trade and benefits to industry. While the model will not be evaluated until May 2023, we hope it will become part of the future Border Target Operating Model.

The user journey map below shows how we believe the system should ultimately function, including input and output from the user, the UK Single Trade Window platform, and the underpinning departmental systems.

Points to consider when feeding back on this draft of the Border Target Operating Model:

• We would welcome views on how our proposed approach to implementing a cross-government approach to authorisations for Trusted Trader status could be made as simple as possible for businesses to use.

Figure 2: Proposed model for delivering a cross-government approach to trusted trader authorisations through the UK Single Trade Window

This journey map shows how the system will function, referencing the input and outputs from the user, STW platform, and underpinning departmental systems. In this example, a user first applies for an authorisation, then some time later, applies for a further authorisation.

1.2 The new Safety and Security model

Background

Safety and Security declarations support our fight against illicit goods such as drugs and weapons entering the UK from abroad. The UK has requirements for Safety and Security declarations as a signatory to the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) SAFE framework. These have applied to imports and exports from non-EU countries since 2011. Safety and Security export declaration requirements have since become a requirement for all movements from GB into the EU since 1 October 2021.

Under the World Customs Organisation’s SAFE Framework, Safety and Security declarations also became a requirement for trade between GB and the EU at the end of the UK’s EU Exit transition period and have been introduced by the EU on goods from GB. The UK Government introduced a temporary waiver for EU imports into GB due to concerns about trader burdens, lack of trader readiness, and potential disruption for critical trade routes and supply chains exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Safety and Security declarations help to ensure that interventions at the border are based on risk. The level of data collected needs to be proportionate and sufficient to support risk-based assessments, balancing the needs of national security with the burden placed on traders to collect and submit the data.

The ability to collect Safety and Security data from goods originating from or crossing the EU represents a post-EU exit opportunity. Enhancing our intelligence on imported goods will help Border Force to keep citizens safe from harmful goods brought into the country. It will also minimise disruption at the border by supporting an intelligence informed approach to risking and facilitating the flow of legitimate trade by reducing the number of ‘false positive’ hits.

Ending the waiver for Safety and Security declarations for EU imports

Ending the waiver for Safety and Security declarations for EU imports will improve the UK’s security with Safety and Security data being an important tool in our fight against serious and organised crime. The UK Government will therefore implement the requirement for Safety and Security data to be submitted for goods arriving in GB from the EU in October 2024. Once implemented, we expect to see more accurate targeting, facilitating the flow of legitimate trade. Those who already export from GB to the EU, or import from Rest of World, are already required to make Safety and Security declarations now.

Developing the new regime

We have reviewed the current Safety and Security model starting from first principles. As we move towards an increasingly digital border, data collection is essential for ensuring targeted interventions, enabling the flow of legitimate goods. We have developed a new model focused on gathering, analysing and utilising data deemed as most critical to security. The new regime continues to uphold and deliver on the objectives of the World Customs Organisation’s SAFE framework, whilst balancing the needs of national security with the burden placed on traders.

As part of reviewing the model, we explored how technology could streamline the process of submitting Safety and Security declarations for traders while providing a richer data set to the UK Government. Through the Ecosystem of Trust pilots, we are testing how data insights and new technology can reduce border frictions, and reviewing how supply chain data could replace traditional Safety and Security declarations. Early findings from the pilots show that while it is likely that some existing supply chain data visibility systems can fulfil the UK Government’s Safety and Security data requirements without the need for a traditional declaration, we cannot yet show this leading to a direct cost saving for traders.

The Ecosystem of Trust pilots are informing the design of the UK Single Trade Window, particularly regarding plans for it to process supply chain data into government systems to get more accurate and timely data for performing government risking operations. This will both better secure the border and deliver more frictionless trade. A full evaluation of these pilots will be published later this year. It will set out what we have found in terms of how data gathered in the supply chain adds value to government processes.

Detail of the changes within the new model for Safety and Security

For detailed User Journeys for Safety and Security products that incorporate the changes under the new model, please see Annex B.

Reduction of the Safety and Security data set

The UK Government has assessed the data required for Safety and Security purposes, and will reduce the quantity of data which is required following a comprehensive review of the data fields. This reduction will apply to all imports from anywhere in the world.

We are reducing the requirement to 24 mandatory fields as set out in Annex A. These are security-critical and allow our targeting system to function. The remaining 13 data fields will be optional but can be voluntarily submitted by any carrier that chooses to. This will ensure those businesses already set up to import from non-EU Rest of World countries, or those submitting voluntarily on EU movements, do not need to make any changes to their existing procedures if they do not wish to. Completion of the optional fields will reduce the chance of legitimate goods being held at the UK border because it will improve Border Force’s ability to risk the goods.

All advance Safety and Security data for GB movements will be risked through the existing S&SGB system, as well as Cerberus. This is a risking capability which will allow users to network and analyse diverse cross modal transactional and contextual datasets in real time, recognising Organised Crime Groups operate across modes and commodities and improving targeting effectiveness.

Improvements to the way Safety and Security data is provided

Currently, carriers importing into GB are required to submit Safety and Security declarations into S&SGB, a dedicated system, which requires specialist software to connect to it^{[footnote 2]}. The data issued to the UK Government is often duplicated throughout the consignment’s journey.

The UK Single Trade Window will give traders and intermediaries the option to self-serve the processes for licences, authorisations and customs import and Safety and Security declarations required to trade internationally. UK Single Trade Window functionality will be delivered iteratively through strategic releases, and will provide:

• Self-serve functionality that will allow a UK importer to complete a Safety and Security declaration online through the UK Single Trade Window for free. This will integrate self-declaration routes that already exist, such as Defra’s Import of Products Animals, Food and Feed Systems (IPAFFS) pre-notification. As further functionality becomes available, Single Trade Window will provide:

• The ability to share and collaborate on declarations with supply chain partners, where users have agreed for the data to be shared and re-used. This includes the ability for a trader to provide an agent or carrier with the information that they hold (about the goods, the volume of goods, etc.) and for this information to be used across all declarations relating to the consignment.

• Explicit measures to inform users about data sharing/re-use, and safeguards against increased commercial risk (due to other actors being able to see some data whilst reusing it).

The first UK Single Trade Window strategic release, which will be delivered from November 2023 will focus on providing public facing Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and a user interface for Safety and Security Import (ENS) declarations and Customs Import declarations, allowing traders to submit their declarations without requiring specialist software. Further detail on the functionality of the Single Trade Window is set out in Section 3.

When it is first introduced, the UK Single Trade Window user interface will also start to provide additional functionality such as re-using trader identification data and declaration data where this is already held by the UK Government or within the trader’s Single Trade Window account.

In the longer-term, the UK Single Trade Window will enable all information required to import and export goods to be submitted to border agencies through one system, further simplifying the process for traders. This will mean that traders can complete all advance customs requirements, such as pre-lodged customs requirements, Safety and Security and Sanitary and Phytosanitary requirements, without needing to use several different systems.

See the UK Single Trade Window delivery timeline in Section 3 for more information.

Improving the use of data by the UK government to remove duplication

Transit procedures allow for customs processes to be suspended whilst goods move through multiple customs regimes. However, there is currently still a requirement for Safety and Security declarations to be made for movements through different customs territories.

The New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) Phase 6 (currently scheduled for implementation across all Common Transit Convention countries by 1 June 2025) will allow functionality to enable use of Transit Security Accompanying Documents in place of separate Safety and Security and Transit declarations. This will mean that when moving goods through other countries which have opted into adopting Transit Security Accompanying Documents, traders using transit will only need to submit one Transit Security Accompanying Document for a transit movement – unlike currently, where Safety and Security declarations need to be submitted for every customs territory crossing^{[footnote 3]}.

Removing Safety and Security requirements for low-risk export movements

By the end of 2023 we will introduce additional waivers for a number of specific low-risk movements to start reducing trader burdens as soon as possible. In the following circumstances, Safety and Security declarations will no longer be required:

• Outbound fish

• UK law currently requires Export Summary Declarations (EXS), otherwise known as Safety and Security exit declarations for fish caught in UK territorial seas and landed outside of the UK. These movements do not pose a threat to UK security and therefore the Safety and Security requirement is not proportionate. We will remove this requirement to reduce trader burden.

• Outbound transit movements

• In cases where goods are moved through GB under transit, and a Safety and Security entry declaration (ENS) declaration has been made within 14 days, we will waive the requirement for an Export Summary Declaration (EXS) to be submitted. These movements can be safely managed using the data on the Entry Declaration (ENS). We see this requirement as duplicative and therefore will remove it.

• Outbound freeport goods

• In cases where the advance Safety and Security information remains available and valid, and the goods have been at the freeport for less than a specified time, we will waive the requirement for an Export Summary Declaration (EXS) to be submitted.

Further details on how we are improving the experience of exporting are set out in Section 4.

Fast Parcel Operators

All Fast Parcel Operators will be able to benefit from the new model, in particular the reduced dataset, submitting only the mandatory fields should they wish to do so. Those Fast Parcel Operators who operate Anti Smuggling Nets to meet Safety and Security obligations before the end of the transition period can continue to use them. We will continue to engage with industry on our future plans for Anti Smuggling Nets.

We will continue to work closely with carriers to ensure they understand and comply with the requirements, including promoting a high level of data quality to ensure legitimate trade is not held up unnecessarily. We are also ensuring that existing routes for addressing carriers’ queries and issues are working optimally.

Safety and security declaration amendment process

Previous engagement with stakeholders has also indicated that in the fast-moving ‘Roll on Roll off’ (RoRo) environment, some hauliers do not have all the required Safety and Security information to submit a declaration 2 hours before goods enter GB, as is currently the rule for short sea journeys. Safety and Security declarations must be as accurate and complete as possible when submitted. However, amendments can be made if something changes, for example, the amount of goods or the time of the sea crossing. We have considered the feedback we received from traders and it is the Government’s view that the existing Safety and Security declaration amendment process, which allows for declarations to be amended up until the point of arrival should adequately address these situations.

Points to consider when answering Question 1 on this draft of the Border Target Operating Model:

• Taking into account the need to secure the border, if there are any further measures you would like us to consider, to reduce the burden of Safety and Security controls within the context of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) framework.

• If there are any further opportunities to deliver data efficiencies through the Single Trade Window.

• If this document provides enough detail to start making preparations for the new Safety and Security model; if you would require further information to prepare for the introduction of Safety and Security controls.

• Safety and Security Entry Declarations (ENS) can be amended up to the point of arrival. Are you aware of this process?

1.3 The new Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods model for GB

Background

Import controls are a critical element of all effective biosecurity and public health systems. They protect public health, plant health and animal health and welfare. Controls provide assurance, they allow the interception of non compliant consignments and they enable the tracing of goods if an incident arises. Controls ensure that consumers have confidence in imported plant and animal products and they underpin our exports to our global trading partners. The threats posed to public health by imported food and feed, and live animals, are ever present and dynamic and our controls will reflect and respond to this, protecting consumers while ensuring they can access the products they want.

The UK is a signatory to World Trade Organisation treaties that require a level playing field for Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls across our trading partners. The World Trade Organisation Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement recognises the rights of all members to apply necessary controls to protect their public, animal and plant health. Measures must not be applied in an arbitrary or discriminatory way.

It is therefore critical that the Border Target Operating Model retains the mechanisms recognised and applied across the world as the key building blocks for animal, public and plant health import controls. Doing so will provide protection for the UK and ensure our trading partners have confidence in our exports.

Overview of the model for Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods

Although enforcement of biosecurity controls is a devolved responsibility, it is in all our interests to have a coherent border control regime across the UK. Therefore, the Scottish, Welsh and UK Governments have worked together to develop the new model for the import of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods.

We want to improve on the model used by the EU in a number of ways, by introducing;

• a risk-based, targeted approach to official border controls on imports of all origins;

• pilots of Trusted Trader assurance schemes that provide credible evidence to support facilitations and;

• simplification and digitisation that makes the best use of data.

Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods will be categorised based on the inherent risk (high, medium or low) that the commodity poses to animal health and welfare, food safety and biosecurity, alongside any risk specific to the country of origin. The level of controls applied will be proportionate to the risk, for example the prevalence of pests or diseases and the standard of official health controls.

In developing the global import model for Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods we have balanced the need to protect the UK from biosecurity and public health threats; the need to give businesses and trading partners time to prepare, and so prevent disruption for consumers; and the speed at which the technology and infrastructure can be put in place.

Key to the model is cross-nation governance of the new risk-based approach to Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls. This governance and expertise involved will be critical to ensuring that the model responds to emerging threats and is able to keep the UK safe.

As part of the new model we will pilot new Sanitary and Phytosanitary assurance schemes for authorised Trusted Traders. The pilots will be co-designed with industry over 2023 before they go live from January 2024. There will be separate pilot schemes for plants and plant products and for medium-risk animal products, that is products of animal origin and animal by-products. Some high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin could be considered for future inclusion.

These pilot schemes will seek to develop assurances that are equivalent to official controls by building on existing systems and data that traders have in place to directly manage biosecurity and food safety risks with government oversight. All members of these schemes will be held to the UK’s high biosecurity and food safety standards and will be presented with different options for providing us with such assurance, with exploration of a range of benefits to traders in return (e.g. a reduction in the level of Border Control Post checks).

Details of the specific proposals for plant and animal products are set out in the sections below. While these will only be pilot schemes at this stage, the intention is to be as ambitious as possible in their design to maximise their benefits while protecting biosecurity, animal and public health. We would welcome interest from all major food importers in participating in the pilots.

Governance of these pilots will be overseen by cross-nation governance structures, assuring that the pilots and any scheme which evolves from them will not compromise the UK’s biosecurity, animal health and welfare, public health or consumer protections. A robust and detailed evaluation of the pilots, that appropriately balances benefits to traders and the assurance of biosecurity and food safety, will be undertaken before any decision to scale them up is taken.

Food Security

The resilience and reliability of food supply chains, and ensuring no disruption for consumers, is a key objective as set out in last year’s Government Food Strategy. In implementing this new control regime for the first time on EU imports, we will carefully monitor the range of potential risks, including those that may impact food supply-chains and consumers. Where possible we will work with importers to try to manage those risks in a structured way, considering whether there are appropriate contingencies which we can deploy if and when required. We recognise that this new model for importing Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods will require some businesses and their supply-chains to adapt their business models. Details of how we will work to support businesses operating different models for the importing of these goods [are set out below](#supporting-different-business-models-for-importing-groupage-loads-of-sanitary-and-phytosanitary-goods.

Navigating this section of the document

The sections below set the detail of how the new model applies to different types of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods:

• The section on importing live animals, germinal products, products of animal origin, animal by-products and high risk food and feed of non-animal origin explains how to import these goods to GB under the new model.

• The section on importing plants and plant products explains how to import these goods to GB under the new model.

• The two sections on importing plant and animal products are followed by details of the timeline for implementing the new model for Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods and an overview of how we will work to support different models of importing such as managing groupage and re-exporting.

• Detailed example user journeys for the import to GB of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods are set out in Annex C.

Points to consider when answering Question 2 on this draft of the Border Target Operating Model:

• The impact of the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods regimes on your supply chain whether you are an importer or exporter.

• The impact of the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods regime on your specific business model, particularly in relation to the use of groupage for importing.

• How the pilots for Trusted Trader Schemes for Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods might operate effectively.

Importing Live Animals, Products of Animal Origin and Animal By-Products under the Border Target Operating Model

Risk categorisation

Live animals, germinal products, products of animal origin and animal by-products will be categorised as high risk, medium risk, or low risk. Each category will have a proportionate level of control.

The categorisation will be based on the inherent risk that the commodity poses to animal health and welfare, food safety and biosecurity, and public health, alongside the risks specific to the country of origin e.g. the prevalence of pests/diseases and the standard of official health controls. This means a commodity from one country could be in the low risk category but the same commodity from a different country could be in the medium risk category.

Risk assessment of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods by country/commodity combination, is ongoing. Defra, the Food Standards Agency, Food Standards Scotland and devolved counterparts are finalising a country level risk assessment model for global imports of live animals, germinal and animal products.

Once the categorisation is agreed through the relevant cross-national technical decision making forum, the outputs of the model will be published by the end of April 2023 for the EU and by end of July 2023 for the rest of the world. This will ensure businesses have 6 months to prepare before controls are introduced or changed. It is expected that most goods will not change from their initial categorisation but as the risk is not static, the model will be dynamic and if appropriate goods will be moved up and down the categories thereby increasing or reducing controls.

The indicative form of these categories, subject to completion of risk assessments, will be:

• High risk: live animals, live aquatic animals and germinal products (with published exceptions for animals with additional safeguards or assurances or which present a lower risk) and commodities covered under safeguard measures.

• Medium risk: raw, chilled, frozen meat, meat products, dairy, animal by-products for use in animal feed, fishery products and aquatic animals imported as products of animal origin.

• Low risk: processed, shelf-stable products such as composites and canned meat products, processed animal by-products and certain fishery products and aquatic animal products from lower risk countries.

In addition, this framework can be overlaid with an assessment of importer compliance in the case of trusted trader schemes (see “Trusted Trader” section, below). Other risk considerations, including emerging intelligence, will also be fed in before decisions on categorisation are agreed.

Controls that will be applied to live animals, germinal and animal products based on their risk categorisation

Under the new regime controls will be applied to goods proportionately based upon their risk categorisation:

• Import of consignments categorised as high risk (predominantly live animals, germinal products and goods under safeguard measures) will require pre-notification, simplified health certificates, documentary checks and a higher degree of physical and ID checks. In most cases, live animals will be subject to 100% identity and physical checks. Some exceptions to the requirement for 100% checks are planned for animals such as high health equines (e.g. race horses) from low-risk countries, some zoological animals and some live aquatic animals.

• Import of consignments categorised as medium risk will require pre-notification, simplified health certificates, documentary checks and be subject to risk-based identity and physical checks at the border. Some will be set at 1% physical and identity checks, although other goods will be considerably higher based on specific risks. A trusted trader scheme for medium risk consignments will be piloted.

• Import of consignments categorised as low risk will have minimal routine border controls applied. There would be no requirement for health certification or routine physical border checks. Provision of a pre-notification data set and commercial documentation will be required for all low risk animal products. Goods classified as low risk would need to enter via a port that has a Border Control Post designated for that type of commodity.

The table below sets out the controls which will be required, accorded to each risk categorisation.

Figure 3: Percentage of checks per risk category

Consignment Risk (Country risk x commodity risk)		Example Animal Products	Health Certificates	Pre-notification requirements	(GB) Indicative Checks %			(EU) Checks % (Under the current EU regime)
					Doc	ID	Physical	Check rates (across 5 risk categories)***
High Risk		Live animals and commodities covered under safeguard measures	Export Health Certificate required	Full Pre-notification requirements	100%	100%*	100%*	100% Identify 100% Physical
Medium Risk		Raw, chilled, frozen meat/ meat products/ dairy; ABP for use in animal feed; medium risk fishery products imported as products of animal origin	Export Health Certificate required	Full Pre-notification requirements	100%	1% - 30%**	1% - 30%**	100% Identity 15-30% Physical
Low Risk		Processed, shelf-stable products such as composites and canned meat products, processed animal by-products and certain fish products	No Export Health Certificate required	Pre notification data to allow traceability	0%	0%	0%	100% Identity 1-5% Physical

*Certain live animals (e.g. high health equines) may be subject to a reduced level of ID and physical checks dependent upon species but would still be classed as high risk

**Typically 1% but many products are expected to require only 1% identity and or physical checks with the higher risk products subject to higher check levels.

***Risk categories won’t be directly comparable, but gives indication of the different approaches taken

The controls reflect the nature of the risk posed. Routine import controls for low risk goods are removed, apart from pre-notification for traceability reasons and other assurances. In the medium risk category there is a tiered approach to the level of checks based on the country/commodity risk assessment. Although this classification remains dynamic and the level of checks may vary, many products are expected to require only 1% identity and physical checks with the higher risk products subject to higher check levels. While low-risk animal products will not require routine Border Control Post inspection, they must still arrive through a point of entry with a Border Control Post, as this links to a port health authority to administer the pre-notification, and if local evidence does suggest that a physical inspection of a low-risk consignment is necessary, a Border Control Post is the most suitable location for this to happen.

The following approach ensures we are striking the appropriate balance between protecting the UK from biosecurity risks and facilitating trade:

• A risk-based approach where routine check rates are retained for the highest risk commodities, reduced for most medium risk commodities and removed altogether for low-risk commodities;.

• Not all checks will need to take place at a Border Control Posts, documentary checks can happen in advance of the goods arrival, and few consignments will be selected for identity and physical checks at a Border Control Posts;

• Simplified health certificates will be available to our trading partners;

• Consignment check rates can be adjusted to reflect risk. This allows us to keep routine checks at a level necessary to protect biosecurity, animal and public health and respond to changing risk without requiring new legislation.

Border Checks for Live Animals

Currently there are temporary controls undertaken at the point of destination for live animals arriving from EU countries. A species-by-species risk analysis will consider whether some checks could continue to be undertaken inland. This might mean they would need additional controls or processes. As Border Control Posts come online throughout 2024, checks on live animals will move to these where required.

Designated live animal Border Control Posts will continue to be published on GOV.UK, and the designation process will remain with the Animal and Plant Health Agency).

Border Checks for Animal Products

As the detailed operations of the Border Target Operating Model are developed, requirements and further information about Border Control Posts will be published. Designated Border Control Posts will continue to be published on GOV.UK, and (in England) the designation process will remain with the Animal and Plant Health Agency for products of animal origin.

Details of the operation of inland border infrastructure and the charging for checks conducted at them is set out in Section 3 of this document.

Governance

Technical oversight of the new risk-based approach will be provided via a UK wide panel of risk management experts, chaired by Defra and made up of risk analysts risk managers and policy representatives from the Animal and Plant Health Agency, the Food Standards Agency, (which advises the UK and Welsh Governments), and Food Standards Scotland, alongside public health and disease control policy experts from the UK Health Security Agency and from the various governments.

Recommendations on checks rates will be coordinated by the relevant food safety, public health and animal health policy teams and be subject to agreement of the UK-wide Animal Disease Policy Group, the UK-wide Public Health Agencies and UK National Plant Protection Organisation, the Food Standards Agency, DAERA, Food Standards Scotland, and the Department for Health and Social Care and UK Health Security Agency as appropriate.

They monitor new and emerging disease outbreaks and food safety issues worldwide and assess the risk that diseases might come into the UK through trade in live animals, germinal or animal products (legal or illegal), through movement of wildlife, or through movement of things such as insects which may carry a disease. These outbreak assessments help to inform decisions around how to manage or reduce the risks.

Emerging trends of food borne illness caused by contamination with bacteria, viruses, chemicals etc are monitored to manage risks posed by food sources from exporting countries.

If risks increase or decrease and commodities need to move between risk categories, traders will be given 3 months notice so they can adapt their processes as needed, unless urgent protective action is required. The ability to apply emergency control measures on any commodities which pose an imminent risk to human or animal health will be retained.

There are already established mechanisms in place to stop a product from being imported to GB from areas with a known pest or disease outbreak.

Trusted Trader approach for animal products

Data, technology and trusted relationships will be used to deliver robust upstream compliance that allows processes to be moved away from the border and improve flow of goods. Defra, the Devolved Governments, and the Food Standards Agency have explored how trusted trader schemes more generally can play a role in protecting public health and food safety while reducing burdens on industry.

Trusted trader schemes are a well-established concept outside the field of Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls, for example Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status for customs which allows simplification of customs procedures and reduced checks. Alongside the core, internationally recognised components of the biosecurity scheme, an innovative role for trader assurance will be added. Within the plan for the management of Sanitary and Phytosanitary commodities, vetted and monitored traders will be invited to take increased accountability for biosecurity and food safety as part of a pilot.

Membership of Trusted Trader schemes will provide additional assurance to government and will enable traders to have systems in place to manage biosecurity and food safety risks with government oversight.They will be held to the UK’s high biosecurity and food safety standards but will have different options for providing us with such assurance, with a range of benefits to traders in return.

We are exploring the creation of two animal product trusted trader schemes as part of the Border Target Operating Model: the Accredited Trusted Trader Scheme and the Technology Assurance Scheme.

As it develops, the Border Target Operating Model trusted trader approach will be assessed against five high-level principles below:

1. Protect or enhance domestic biosecurity animal and public health.

2. Maintain export markets.

3. Minimise burdens and costs to industry.

4. Provide benefits and reduce costs to government (including running costs).

5. Accessible to as many sizes and types of businesses as possible, including small and medium enterprises.

Summary of the trusted trader schemes for animal products

Accredited Trusted Trader Scheme

The Accredited Trusted Trader scheme being piloted would allow frequent importers of products of animal origin and animal by-products to potentially reduce the need for routine physical checks at the Border Control Posts by taking responsibility for carrying out routine checks and sampling to ensure the protection of biosecurity, animal and public health whilst being closely regulated by government.

Pilots will be used to establish the final membership criteria but as a minimum, Accredited Trusted Trader Scheme members will:

• Be a registered business in the UK for custom purposes;

• Have a good compliance history (where available);

• Have a named responsible person/s for the identification, management and monitoring of risks;

• Implement government-produced standard operating procedures to ensure equivalent assurance of public health and biosecurity safeguards;

• Have bio-secure premises and infrastructure;

• Provide end to end supply chain assurance; and

• Have suitably trained staff who can act independently.

It is fundamental that the Accredited Trusted Trader Scheme is co-designed by government and industry, so ambitious businesses will be part of a pilot, with a view to making the co-designed model available to all businesses thereafter.

Pilots will need to be fully risk assessed and reviewed as they progress to ensure the measures in place are providing equivalent assurance in practice. They will look to build upon industry practices in developing requirements for assurance, with the final scheme design finalised after these pilots take place.

Pilots will consider:

1. Overall system – what is a business’ overall strategy for complying with import conditions? How does it review its system, how does it plan to agree variations with the Competent Authority?

2. Traceability – how does it trace a product from primary producer through to retailer?

3. Supplier assurance – what level of consistency does it have in the supply chain, what does it ask for in terms of assurance, how does it verify?

4. What are the requirements for accreditation for premises?

5. What data/certificates is it collecting and how much of this does it share with the Competent Authority?

6. How does the trader deal with non-compliant consignments?

7. How does the trader deal with other notifiable events?

8. How will the trader work with us to allow us to audit?

9. Criteria for membership, fees and dealing with non-conformity to scheme rules.

Due to the variation in business models and use of groupage (see more detail on these below), it may be necessary to develop multiple pilots with varying benefits and processes required by industry.

The pilot scheme will be built around four key phases:

1. Core framework policy development.

2. Open application phase with targeted approach and on-boarding.

3. Pilot Development working in partnership with Devolved Governments, the Food Standards Agency, Food Standards Scotland and industry.

4. Piloting and evaluation.

Official oversight, verification and audit is critical in the pilot phase. The high-level framework for the pilots could cover:

a. supply chain information (where the products come from, how they are produced, by who etc.).

b. production assurance - rules/regulations for producers to uphold (auditing), sampling and testing of products etc.

c. pre-arrival checks (for example at a hub in mainland Europe).

d. assurance during transit - temperature trackers, digital seals etc.

e. checks at destination (including who undertakes them and the qualifications they hold/training they have undertaken).

f. relevant data utilisation and sharing to inform compliance levels and identify non-compliance.

The objective of pilots will be the evaluation of how the Trusted Trader can fulfil the assurances listed above to be able to access Accredited Trusted Trader Scheme benefits, while maintaining the required standards.

Information on how businesses can apply to take part will be released following publication of the Target Operating Model. An extended period of co-design is anticipated, followed by the pilots which we expect to run for 6 to 12 months. The pilots will then be formally reviewed and a full scheme will follow if successful.

Technology Assurance Scheme (TAS)

Proposals have also been developed for a ‘lighter-touch’ scheme, built upon the principles of 2022/3’s six pilots of the Ecosystem of Trust, to ensure importers of different types and sizes have different trusted trader offers. The Technology Assurance Scheme aims to utilise data that is already collected by businesses (i.e. supply chain data) and access additional data using specific devices like digital seals and temperature trackers. These will provide additional assurance to the Government, enabling a proportionate reduction in physical checks.

Over time, the Technology Assurance Scheme could expand, utilising technological advancements as they become available to provide further benefits to traders. This will be driven to an extent by the outcomes of the Ecosystem of Trust Pilots which are testing the extent to which data and technology can provide the Government with assurances. More detailed proposals for Technology Assurance Scheme will emerge once the Ecosystem of Trust pilots have concluded.

Further testing/ stakeholder engagement will be used to establish the final membership criteria but as a minimum, Technology Assurance Scheme members will:

• Be registered or approved by their local authority, the Food Standards Agency or Food Standards Scotland as a food business or registered with, or approved by, Animal Plant and Health Agency as an animal by-product business;

• Have no adverse Sanitary and Phytosanitary compliance history;

• Have a record of pre-notifications since January 2022 (other than companies importing solely from the island of Ireland); and

• Have no adverse customs compliance history.

These proposed Trusted Trader schemes will form an important part of a cross-Government approach to Trusted Trader schemes ensuring that they are both beneficial and accessible to industry.

High Risk Food and Feed of Non-Animal Origin (HRFNAO)

The controls for high risk food and feed of non-animal origin will align closely with those applied to animal products in the medium risk category. Designated Border Control Posts will continue to be published on GOV.UK, and the designation process will remain with the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland.

Governance of high risk food and feed of non-animal origin will broadly continue to be under the provisions set out in relevant regulations. Retained Regulation 2019/1793 (as amended) sets the temporary increase of official controls and emergency measures governing the entry into GB of certain high risk food and feed of non-animal origin from certain countries. We will carry out a wider review to consider measures that will increase efficiencies in the listing of commodities under the Regulation, so that we can respond quickly to a dynamic border. The legal requirement to regularly review the enhanced control measures will continue to sit with the Appropriate Authority, i.e. Ministers in England, Wales and Scotland. The reviews will continue to be delivered through an enhanced risk analysis process by the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland and provide recommendations to Ministers to establish proportionate measures governing the entry into GB of high risk food and feed of non-animal origin on a commodity and country of origin basis.

Importing Plants and Plant Products under the Border Target Operating Model

Risk categorisation

Under the new regime controls will be applied to goods proportionately based upon their risk categorisation. Regulated plants and plant products will be categorised into three main risk categories, low, medium and high. The higher the risk category the greater the assurance requirements imposed. There are goods which are not regulated at all, and those which pose such a threat that they are banned by default and may only be imported under a derogation or following specific risk assessment.

The new model moves away from the default EU level of 100% checks for plants for planting and produce with an identified pest or disease risk. This will reduce to 3-5% (for most produce with exceptions where specific risk factors apply) and 5-100% (for plants for planting) in GB depending on risk. This approach, developed following a public consultation at the end of 2021, recognises that plants are inherently higher risk compared to fresh produce, but recognises the intended use of plants (e.g. end use or commercial propagation/production).

This new GB-focused risk-based import inspection regime aims to ensure that impacts from plant health checks are at the appropriate level to the degree of risk posed by different categories of commodities and that the phytosanitary regime remains appropriate to address the biosecurity risk which GB faces.

Controls that will be applied to Plants and Plant Products

The default for plants, plant products and other regulated products listed in Annex XI, Part A of the retained EU Regulation 2019/2072 (“the Phytosanitary Conditions Regulation”) will not be 100% checks but rather between 3-5% for most medium risk products and 5-100% on the highest risk products. Where specific risk factors apply, in relation to specific products from specific origins, the frequencies will be adjusted as appropriate. Items listed in Part C of Annex XI do not require phytosanitary certificates to enter GB and do not require phytosanitary inspection. They are excluded from being part of a risk targeted inspection regime.

The precise rate of checking within a specific risk category will be based on the number of interceptions made on specific commodities from specific countries.

To ensure that the risk categorisation remains appropriate over time robust surveillance of low-risk goods for new and emerging pests will be done by:

• Monitoring via horizon scanning surveys while gathering information to detect emerging issues; and

• Targeted surveillance using intelligence/information to follow up leads in relation to specific threats.

Surveillance of low risk goods will be carried out at the most appropriate locations and times, including incidental checks alongside inspections of high and medium-risk goods. Surveillance will be conducted downstream of the border at premises being visited for other plant health purposes.

The new Border Target Operating Model will significantly reduce the number of identity and physical checks while ensuring resources are focused on consignments presenting the greatest biosecurity and public health risks. It will allow us to focus resources on consignments presenting the greatest risk to the UK, and will also enable us to expand the scope of our control regime to include the large volume of plant and plant products imported from the EU. The table below shows how the new regime will compare to the regime intended for implementation in July 2022 (which would have mirrored the EU approach).

Figure 4: Rate of checks under the Border Target Operating Model compared to the current EU regime

Risk Category	Plant / product	(GB) Checks %			(EU) Indicative Checks % Under the current EU regime
		Doc	ID	Physical	Check rates (across 5 risk categories)***
High Risk	Plants for planting – woody and/or for commercial production	100%	100%	100%	100%
	Plants for planting – non-woody and for retail sale as outdoor plants	30%	30%	30%	100%
	Plants for planting – non woody and for retail sale as indoor plants	5%	5%	5%	5%
Medium Risk	Plant products - identified risk linked to a trade	Generally: 5 (RoW*) and 3 (EU)	Generally: 5 (RoW*) and 3 (EU)	Generally: 5 (RoW*) and 3 (EU)	100 (reduced frequency for around 60 trades)
Low Risk	All other regulated plant products	0	0	0	1

(A more detailed breakdown of the frequencies of plant health import inspections is set out in Annex E).

Border Checks for Plants and Plant Products

Whilst Border Control Posts will be the location of checks for some plants and plant products, others will be checked at Control Points. Control Points are inland inspection facilities where checks of plants and plant products can take place under customs supervision. Goods moved to a Control Point are under customs control and cannot be opened until the inspector (or authorised operator) is present.

Border Control Posts and Control Points must meet specific minimum standards, including inspection areas, storage/detention areas and unloading areas with appropriate cover. These are designed to provide a bio-secure environment until goods have passed plant health checks. Border Control Post and Control Point premises must be customs authorised as a temporary storage facility. This latter approval is managed by the Border Force National Frontier Approvals Unit (NFAU) or through HMRC.

Governance

Inspection frequencies will remain responsive to risk and assessed threats. The cross government Imports Threat and Horizon Scanning sub-group (which reports to the UK Plant Health Risk Group) will monitor import and interception data, and the UK Plant Health Risk Group will have authority to change inspection rates in response to upsurges of interceptions of pests or new threats emerging. These groups represent all governments in the UK through the Plant Health Provisional common Framework.

Interception data will be available on the UK Plant Health Interception Notification System. The Plant Health Advisory Forum will be informed of proposed changes to inspection frequencies before their introduction.

Whether further safeguards are needed is continually monitored and scientific processes assess the changing threats to plant biosecurity. Regulations associated with tree and plant imports are frequently reviewed and updated as part of this process.

If a significant plant health threat is identified, the inspection rate will be adjusted immediately. Adjustments will ensure a close link between the assessed risk and the inspection rate, and criteria would be based on:

• Incidences of non-compliance with phytosanitary requirements in comparison with the number of consignments,

• The nature of any non-compliance, for example if pests that pose a significant concern are detected, this will lead to a higher level of checks than if pests of low risk are reported.

Inspection rates will also be reviewed annually by the cross government Imports Threats Group (made up of technical plant health experts from across the UK). Given inspection frequencies are linked to fees, more frequent changes would add uncertainty for businesses. A horizon scanning regime will be maintained to provide an early warning system for new and emerging plant pests and diseases.

Details of the operation of inland border infrastructure and the charging for checks conducted at them is set out in Section 2 of this document.

Trusted Trader Approach for Plants - Authorised Operator Status

Under the Authorised Operator Status (AOS), it is proposed that a trader, with appropriately trained personnel and internal control systems, can achieve recognition that their level of expertise is sufficient to perform physical and identity import checks.

Responsibility for performing physical import checks will be delegated to private operators who meet the eligibility criteria. The criteria will include having their premises designated as a Control Point, for which there are a set of infrastructure requirements, and require in-depth systems audits of processes.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency and SASA will be responsible for auditing Authorised Operators. The training will be tailored to the goods the Authorised Operator imports. Competence will be determined through formal sign off by the Animal and Plant Health Agency/SASA and there will be regular refresher training for Authorised Operators.

As a result of Authorised Operator Status, Authorised Operators will have flexibility to conduct the checks at their business premises (designated Control Point) at a time that suits them. There will be a fee to recover the cost of the scheme, such as audits and training.

Summary of the Authorised Operator Status (AOS) scheme for the import of Plants and Plant Products

The eligibility criteria will include being:

• UK registered business - The business must be established in the UK for customs purposes; registered with the relevant UK plant health service as a professional operator; have entered into an agreement with Animal and Plant Health Agency and SASA;

• Designated ‘Authorised’ and ‘Responsible’ Person - The Authorised Person conducts the checks, while the Responsible Person will have board level authority, act as the point of contact and have overall accountability for the organisation’s status;

• Documented internal processes for inspection and management of biosecurity risks;

• Bio secure premises (control point designation and custom authorisation);

• Training on conducting plant health checks, including detection and preliminary identification of quarantine pest and disease; and

• The business will document how any conflicts of interest will be managed internally and how risks to impartiality will be minimised.

Authorised Operator responsibilities will include:

• Ensuring the supplier has necessary phytosanitary certificates;

• Submitting a pre-notification (uploading a scanned copy of the phytosanitary certificate) and customs declaration;

• Declaring goods for inspection; and

• Performing risk-based physical and identify checks and report the outcome of those inspections to the relevant UK plant health authority.

Conflict of Interest

There should be no reason a private business cannot be trained and trusted to carry out reliable import checks in the way that a public body is. Managing any conflict of interest between biosecurity and trade that businesses may face in relation to the Authorised Operator Status will be key.

A code of ethics that the Authorised Operator and responsible person sign and update on an annual basis will be included, together with the potential use of visible indicators such as logos by the business as an indicator of compliance. Businesses will draft plans for managing conflicts of interest internally, with clear procedures through which the Authorised Person can report a pest to Animal and Plant Health Agency/SASA

Compliance

Non-conformity to scheme requirements will trigger corrective action by the Authorised Person/Operator. Critical non-conformities will lead to withdrawal of the authorisation. A range of softer enforcement measures (advice, guidance, letters) and stronger civil and criminal sanctions are being considered, depending on the severity of the non-compliance.

Compliance measures will be geared towards those who, for instance, try to destroy consignments without reporting the pest or disease to the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the SASA, falsify inspection records or distribute the consignment before completion of inspections, in the hope of avoiding negative consequences for the business. This will link up with the 2025 Border Strategy and the move towards responsive regulation, allowing for differentiated (responsive) enforcement based on the profile and behaviour of the business in question.

Pilot Design and timelines

We will carefully consider the results of the pilot before the roll-out of Authorised Operator Status. Wood products will not be included in the scope of the pilot phase; all other plants and plant products will be included. For the highest risk plants and plant products, there will be specific mitigations and conditions, such as systematic lab sampling to test for latent infection.

The Authorised Operator Status will be piloted in two stages.

Where legislation allows, the first stage will involve trialling and testing individual components of Authorised Operator Status, including testing elements such as the training platform for Authorised Operators and aspects of the auditing process. This is planned for Autumn 2023.

Subject to the success of the individual components trial, a full end-to-end pilot will be initiated from January 2024. There will be opportunities to strengthen any elements that do not ensure adequate biosecurity controls, whilst ensuring the process is efficient for the Authorised Operator.

The full pilot phase is intended to be GB-wide, and will aim to include importers from each of England, Scotland and Wales, and a range of Small and Medium Enterprises and larger entities. It will be open to a controlled group of businesses on a voluntary basis. There will be no fees and charges associated with the full pilot and it will test all elements of the process.

In order to pilot the system as fully and accurately as possible, pilot businesses will need to have a designated Control Point. Businesses who wish to gain Authorised Operator Status can begin progressing with their application for Control Point designation between now and mid-2024. This will enable businesses to bridge the gap between early 2024, when Border Control Posts are expected to go live, and later in 2024 when they could have full access to the Authorised Operator Scheme. Once Control Point designation has been granted, Animal and Plant Health Agency/SASA would be able to carry out import checks at their business’ Control Point premises.

While eventually the processes and procedures supporting Authorised Operator Status will be catered for by our digital services, initially there are likely to be some manual processes required at the point of pilot. We expect an Authorised Operator initially to communicate the outcome of their checks to Animal and Plant Health Agency/SASA, who will in turn enter them into the Import of Products, Animal, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS).

Simplification and Digitisation of Health Certificates

For the import of animal products to GB we will simplify export health certificates, removing unnecessary detail.The new simplified export health certificates for products of animal origin will be finalised and published by the end of April 2023 with certificates for animal by-products available shortly afterwards. This simplification will maintain the control needed and reduce opportunities for administrative error by re-formatting the certificates. It will also move guidance about attestations from the certificate itself into an annex. Rest of the World trading partners will be able to use the simplified export health certificates once the rollout to EU countries is completed.

Phytosanitary certificates have been simplified and are available for EU and Rest of World traders.

Electronic phytosanitary (ePhyto) certificates for importswill begin to be rolled out from May 2023. Work to digitise export health certificates is ongoing, with wider rollout planned for Autumn 2024.

Digitisation of certificateswill allow the necessary details to be cloned from the official certificates produced in the exporting countries IT system such as TRACES in the EU. This will reduce the time taken to complete the notifications in GB. Certificates willbe automatically made available to GB systems when uploaded by the official veterinarian or official in the exporting country. Third party software will not be required for importers to access these certificates.

The rollout of digitised certification relies on take up and agreements with our trading partners. We expect to be able to deliver digitised certification for imports of plant and plant products from May 2023 and animal products from EU Member States that use the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) from October 2024.

Timeline for Implementing the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary model

Controls for the highest risk goods are already in place and the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary model will be phased in over time, starting first with critical controls to protect the UKs biosecurity, animal and public health.

In October 2023 we will:

• Introduce export health certificates and phytosanitary certificates for medium risk animal products and phytosanitary goods imported from the EU.

• Begin sample documentary checks on medium risk goods from the EU, but there will be no new routine controls undertaken on these goods at the border, so initially there will be no charges for documentary checks or holds for inspection.

• Accept submission of simplified export health certificates compared to those currently used for Rest of World trade. The new simplified export health certificates for products of animal origin will be finalised and published by the end of April 2023, with certificates for animal by-products available shortly afterwards. This simplification will maintain the control needed and reduce opportunities for administrative error by re-formatting the certificates. It will also move guidance about attestations from the certificate itself into an annex. Rest of the World trading partners will be able to use the simplified export health certificates once the rollout to EU countries is completed.

In January 2024^{[footnote 4]} a new global risk-based import regime for both EU and non-EU goods will be implemented. Specifically:

• The new checks at the border on medium risk EU origin goods will be introduced.

• The requirements for import controls on low risk plants and plant products from non-EU countries will be removed and they will not be introduced for the EU.

• Health certificates and routine checks at the border will no longer be required for low-risk imports from non-EU countries with the exception of intelligence-led interventions on low-risk animal products. All goods to which these import health controls apply will be required to enter via a point of entry that has the relevant Border Control Post or Control Post designation for those goods.

From October 2024 we will further simplify traders’ management of Sanitary and Phytosanitary requirements, with the introduction of the UK Single Trade Window that will remove duplication across pre-arrival datasets where possible. And by this point in time we will expect all checks on live animals to have moved from their point of destination to Border Controls Posts, as those have become operational.

Supporting different business models for importing groupage loads of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods

We appreciate that new import controls on EU goods may require businesses to adapt their business models. A key objective of the publication of this draft document is to gather feedback on how we can support businesses of all sizes to make the required changes.

‘Groupage’ is generally taken to mean a movement of goods where multiple consignments with separate health certificates are transported on a single lorry/container. This can involve the consolidation of consignments at a hub or the collection of consignments from multiple pick-up points prior to export.

Businesses that use groupage to import Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods into the UK will need to carefully plan how they intend to import in future, as different goods may have different requirements and a single failure to complete these may hold up a grouped load. Given much of the operational delivery of EU-GB groupage rests with the EU certifiers, Competent Authorities, and exporters, EU engagement will be important ahead of the introduction of these import controls and will form a core part of the Government’s engagement with our trade partners.

Import controls present two challenges for businesses undertaking groupage movements of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods:

1. For businesses moving animal products, obtaining multiple export health certificates for multiple consignments in the same load is logistically complex. For traders who rely on sharing space in a mixed load with other businesses, obtaining an export health certificate to move small consignments incurs greater cost than larger loads.

2. For businesses moving plant or animal products, checks undertaken at a Border Control Post on an individual consignment of a grouped load may mean that all consignments in the load will be held at a Border Control Post until the checked load is established to be compliant.

These challenges may be acute for UK importers moving medium risk goods from the EU in small quantities, and we wish to engage closely with businesses in this category over the engagement period.

Groupage of animal products

The Border Target Operating Model will facilitate groupage movements by delivering a regime that is calibrated against risk:

• Low risk animal products will not require an export health certificate to enter GB and will not be subject to routine border checks by default. This will simplify the treatment of groupage loads containing low-risk products.

• Medium risk animal products will be subject to reduced levels of intervention at the border with identity and physical check levels being lower than now (for imports from Rest of the World). Where products do not require an export health certificate, the complexity of securing a certificate for groupage loads will be removed. Where products are subject to no, or reduced levels, of identity and or physical checks at the border, the risk of a compliant consignment in a mixed load being detained will be reduced or eliminated.

• High risk animal products are rarely moved using groupage, but would always be subject to certification and border checks.

The different approaches to groupage loads are set below alongside our proposed approach to supporting them:

• Consolidation Hubs - Individual consignments are brought together at a single premises (e.g. lorries from different parts of the EU arrive at a hub in Belgium. Consignments may have been certified before leaving.). The certifying officer at the hub completes certifications for individual consignments being put on to a lorry headed for the UK (the requirement for certificates to include Vehicle Registration numbers has been removed, but other details may have changed, especially where a load is split.).The individual consignments are loaded together, and an official veterinarian (OV) seals the lorry before leaving for its onward destination. The seal number is then entered on each certificate. We intend to work with businesses who use this model of groupage to explore how certifications could be aggregated to reduce burdens, while protecting biosecurity and human health.

• Multiple pick up – Consignments are added to a lorry at different premises and certified at each pick up point. Under this model a seal may be applied to the overall load/lorry by an Official Veterinarian and removed at each pick up with a record being kept via a certificate of non-manipulation. Alternatively, a seal may be applied to individual pallets within the load (individual consignments). We will work with importers and logistics firms who intend to use this model of groupage to ensure complexity and cost is minimised under the new model.

Groupage of plant products

For plants, a single phytosanitary certificate can already cover a range of different plants and plant products, they are not commodity specific. This means that a single certificate can cover an entire consignment, irrespective of how many different plants and plant products it contains. The composition of a groupage load of plants and plant products can change during the transport vehicle’s journey without impacting on the phytosanitary certificates issued to other consignments within the load. The composition of the individual consignments must not change after the phytosanitary certificate has been issued. This model is commonly used for non-EU imports, including those moved by Roll on Roll off ferries transiting the EU.

When one product within a consignment requires a physical check and the others do not this may mean that the entire consignment must be diverted for a check. We will work with importers and logistics firms who move mixed consignments to ensure complexity and cost is minimised under the new model.

Transit of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods through Great Britain under the new model

Sanitary and Phytosanitary consignments transiting across GB can also pose biosecurity and public health risks. In line with the broad approach to commercial imports, a simplified but effective system of biosecurity controls for transits is proposed, which minimises both friction at the border and the administrative burden to traders.

Currently, consignments from outside the EU transiting GB require transit certificates giving a reduced range of attestations. Animals and animal products are also subject to 100% sanitary checks on entry, with animal products also undergoing seal checks on exit

For sanitary checks, excluding live animals, we intend to introduce simplified transit certificates and move towards a proportionate level of checks on entry and exit for those goods classified as medium risk. These certificates will be required from 31 October 2023 for EU goods and we anticipate that checks on EU transits of medium risk consignments would begin on 31 January 2024^{[footnote 5]}. Low-risk consignments transiting GB would require just pre-notification and will be subject to surveillance and non-routine checks only. We propose continuing to apply existing checks to Rest of World transits beyond 31 January 2024 for a period of time while we undertake further risk assessment and determine whether additional technological or trader solutions are able to provide additional assurance.

As set out previously, live animals are inherently high risk. They also cannot be kept in sealed consignments. We therefore propose to require transit certificates and 100% checks on entry and exit for live animal transits but will consider reduced check frequencies for species with additional assurances e.g. high health equines, in line with imports.

For phytosanitary checks of plant and plant products we intend to introduce a simplified approach coupled with surveillance and non-routine checks to monitor the movement of transit goods. There will be no requirement for pre-notification for entry or exit. Goods will continue to require a signed declaration stating that the goods are under phytosanitary transit and are packaged in such a way that there is no risk of spreading pests through GB.

Re-exports of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods

Stakeholders’ views were sought on the impact of the new import controls on exports and on re-exports. Under the new model, low risk Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods that are imported to GB will not need a health certificate. However, for goods that originate from outside of the EU, an official veterinarian may currently be placing reliance on the information within a health certificate that accompanied the goods into GB when certifying goods for re-export.

Discussion with stakeholders to date shows that businesses do not have significant concerns about obtaining certification for the re-export of low risk goods. Where EU origin goods are being re-exported, and no health certification is currently required for import into GB businesses and certifiers have already made arrangements to obtain the relevant supporting information. This can either come from a veterinarian in the original country of export or, where permitted, be based on commercial documentation.

Despite this, there is potential for additional complexity for those businesses re-exporting Rest of World origin goods that will no longer enter GB with a health certificate from January 2024. Guidance to assist certifiers is being developed.

Other Import requirements for Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods

There are specific import controls on some products that stem from specific aspects of UK legislation or our membership of international conventions covering the movement of these goods. The Border Target Operating Model does not propose changing these controls.

Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Species covered by the Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) will need to continue to meet existing import requirements.

Organic goods

There are currently legislative grace periods until end 2023 for certification requirements related to certain marketing standards and the Certificate of Inspection (CoIs) for organics from the EU, European Economic Area countries and Switzerland. In May we will confirm when the Certificate of Inspections for organic goods entering GB from the EU, European Economic Area and Switzerland will be required.

The requirement for Certificates of Inspection for organic goods from Rest of World countries is unchanged.

Timber

Imports of timber and timber products from the EU will remain subject to due diligence checks to ensure the goods have not been illegally harvested as set out in the UK Timber Regulation.

The UK Timber Regulations (UKTR) apply to imports into GB and to timber placed on the market within GB. The primary objective of the UK Timber Regulations is to tackle illegal logging and to create a demand for legally harvested timber. The UK Timber Regulations prohibits the placing of illegally harvested timber and timber products on the GB market and requires operators, those first placing such products on the GB market, to exercise due diligence. Those who trade in timber and timber products after they have been placed on the market are required to keep records of who they buy timber products from and any traders they sell them to. This enables timber and timber products to be traced.

Fishing documentation - Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU)

Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing documentation (catch certificates, processing statements and evidence of storage) must be sent in advance to the relevant port health authority, or local authority in Scotland, for imports of fish and fishery products. Certain exemptions apply as outlined in Annex I of the UK’s IUU regulation. These requirements are wholly separate, and in addition to, Sanitary and Phytosanitary requirements.

These documents are required now (including for imports from the EU) and must be sent by email (or provided physically if the port health authority/Scottish local authority requests) to the relevant port health authority/local authority in advance of the consignment’s arrival. In the future these documents will need to be uploaded to our system, the Import of Products, Animal, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS), but we will provide notice in advance of this becoming a requirement.

Port health authorities and Scottish local authorities charge a fee to recover costs for checking these documents (or, if deemed necessary, performing a physical inspection), and these fees are set by individual authority.

Importers will need to check with the relevant port health authority, or Scottish local authority, what their timescale requirements are for submission of documentation. The minimum timings outlined in the legislation are 72 hours in advance for imports by sea, 4 hours for rail or air, and 2 hours by road.

Section 2: Border industry and port requirements

Infrastructure

Infrastructure requirements for Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls

Live animals, animal products, high risk food and feed of non-animal origin and medium and high risk plants and plant products must come through a port of entry with the relevant Border Control Post (BCP), previously known as a Border Inspection Post (BIP). Once the goods arrive, any necessary identity and physical checks will be carried out. A list of Border Control Posts is published on GOV.UK and will continue to be updated.

Most Border Control Posts will be positioned within a port or airport to support trade passing through the port. Rest of the World goods are already subject to controls which require a Border Control Post and these are already in place at the relevant ports. Ports will need to consider what changes may be required to their operating models in order to facilitate the introduction of controls on EU goods. This will primarily be changes to staffing and infrastructure requirements to reflect the check rates outlined in this document. If a port is no longer able to carry out checks on particular types of goods, traders would need to find an alternative route to import their goods into the country. However, it is in the interests of port operators to facilitate the necessary trade where there is demand. Most Border Control Post facilities are complete and ready to undertake checks, or are ready to receive final designation in advance of being required.

New or modified Border Control Posts in anticipation of the Target Operating Model regime will need to be designated by the relevant authorities in order to handle checks: Defra/Animal and Plant Health Agency and Food Standards Agency for England; Welsh Government Ministers for Wales; Animal and Plant Health Agency, Food Standards Scotland, Competent Authorities and Scottish Government Ministers for Scotland.

Inspection of plant and plant products can also take place at Control Points. These are designated inland inspection facilities where identity and physical checks can take place under supervision. Goods moved to a Control Points are under customs control and cannot be opened until the inspector (or authorised operator) is present.

Early engagement with the relevant authorities is recommended as there is likely to be high demand for designation in advance of the introduction of controls. Ports who have constructed new Border Control Posts supported by the Ports Infrastructure Fund should continue to engage with their Cabinet Office Single Point Of Contact.

Inland Sites

Where ports did not have sufficient land to build a Border Control Post to facilitate the introduction of Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls on EU goods, arrangements were made for the Government(s) to construct Border Control Posts at Inland Sites.

Inland Border Control facilities in Kent will provide facilities for goods entering the UK through the Short Straits (Port of Dover and Eurotunnel) and will be operational from the introduction of checks in January 2024.

Plans are being developed for Border Control Posts to provide facilities for goods entering the UK through the ports in Holyhead and South West Wales.

Plans for other Inland Sites may be developed if deemed necessary following further analysis of expected check requirements. This may include a potential site at Cairnryan in Scotland.

Maps of the current Border Control Posts designated for Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls in GB are set out at Annex F.

Charging arrangements at Inland Sites

It is the UK Government’s intention that there will be charging at Inland Sites to recover operating costs which are necessary to undertake physical inspections at BCPs. The UK Government will consult on its proposed methodology and rates in the coming weeks to inform charging levels. The proposal is to administer a Common User Charge on each consignment which enters through Port of Dover and Eurotunnel that is eligible for SPS checks. The charge would apply to all eligible consignments, whether or not they are selected for a BCP inspection. The indicative Common User Charge rate is estimated to be in the region of £20-£43, however final rates will be determined following consultation. The UK Government continues to work closely with the Devolved Governments on charging policy, and is working towards extending these arrangements to cover other government-run BCPs within Great Britain in the future.

HMRC is also exploring options for provision of its inland border facility services on a commercial basis and will engage stakeholders on these plans as they develop.

Live animal facilities

Live animals imported from the EU are currently subject to checks at their destination, and this will continue until border infrastructure is ready to move checks to Border Control Posts. We will publish information on arrangements for live animals facilities at inland sites, and potential funding available for facilities at ports as these plans are developed.

Other border infrastructure

The changes described in this document to other aspects of the border, in particular the new Safety and Security model, do not have an immediate impact on the infrastructure required at ports. Over the next two years we are also improving our existing nuclear detection capability and infrastructure which will improve the flow of goods through the UK Border. We will start to automate our wider detection estate which will further facilitate the flow of goods and enhance security at a number of ports. We plan to expand to more ports and enhance that automation from 2025 onwards. The Home Office has already started to engage with industry on its plans and will run further engagement over Spring 2023: it is critical that industry and government work together to deliver innovative detection technology, logistics automation and enabling infrastructure (physical and technical).

Systems alignment

Industry will need to prepare for each of the milestones outlined in this document.

For the first milestone, industry will continue to integrate with existing government systems that support rest of the world Sanitary and Phytosanitary (Import of Products, Animal, Food and Feed System, IPAFFS) and rest of the world Safety and Security (S&SGB) controls.

Following stakeholder feedback on the draft Border Target Operating Model we will publish detailed information on future milestone system requirements. We will work in partnership with industry as we define requirements for the UK Single Trade Window. This will not only take the form of engagement with industry, software developers and Community Service Providers upon draft publication but will continue throughout the implementation timeline to allow stakeholders to provide feedback and identify changes within their own systems and processes as each milestone approaches.

Changes will be required within systems to gain the benefits of the reduction in required data for Safety and Security declarations. The reduced data requirement will be flexible in its implementation and will be available for use from October 2024; current submission routes will remain open, including the ability to submit a data set up to 37 fields to reduce third party software changes and provide a more collaborative approach for users. This will allow the changes to be made at a time which maximises benefit and lessens disruption.

Alongside the introduction of these new requirements, we will continue with existing systems migration programmes, including migrating users onto Customs Declaration Service (from CHIEFS: Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight) and Import of Products, Animal,Food and Feed System (from PEACH) in line with publicised timelines and guidance. The roll out of the New Computerised Transit System Version 5 will continue with traders submitting transit declarations through this platform from November 2023 in line with existing guidance.

Points to consider when answering Question 3 on this draft of the Border Target Operating Model:

• If there may be any operational difficulties when implementing Sanitary and Phytosanitary import controls using the current business processes and systems.

• If any changes to systems would have an impact on sensitive supply chains.

Section 3: Implementation timeline for the Border Target Operating Model

Border Target Operating Model implementation timeline

The new Border Target Operating Model will require technological and process change across the public and private sector organisations that deliver the border. We intend to phase in implementation of the Border Target Operating Model to give businesses time to prepare.

Our proposed timeline strikes a balance between the need to implement critical biosecurity and security controls to keep the UK safe and ensuring businesses experience the simplest possible model when they begin to import or the changes take effect. Our key considerations when developing the timeline have been:

• the need for effective management of the country’s biosecurity and security risks.

• the need to give businesses sufficient time to implement the model in their systems and processes.

• the need to ensure supply-chains have time to adapt and are not disrupted.

• the speed at which we can work with stakeholders to build the systems and infrastructure required under the new model, including the roll-out of the UK Single Trade Window.

Based on our discussion with industry we are therefore proposing these major milestones for introduction of the model:

• 31 October 2023 - Export health certificates and phytosanitary certificates are introduced for medium risk animal products and plant and plant products imported to GB from the EU.

• End of 2023 - permanent waivers introduced from the requirement to submit Safety and Security declarations on certain categories of low-risk movements - fish which have been caught in UK territorial seas and landed outside of the UK, outbound transit and certain outbound freeport goods.

• 31 January 2024^{[footnote 6]} - Documentary checks and physical and identity checks at the border are introduced for medium risk animal products, plant and plant products imported to GB from the EU. The global model of controls is introduced for rest of the world imports, Health certificates will no longer be required for low risk goods and pre notification will no longer be required for low risk plant and plant products.

• 31 October 2024 - Safety and Security declarations are required for EU imports. Alongside this, use of the UK Single Trade Window will remove duplication across pre-arrival datasets where possible.

Timeline for implementation of controls on Irish goods arriving direct from Ireland to GB ports

In line with the introduction of border controls on EU imports set out within the Border Target Operating Model, businesses from Ireland will face new checks and controls when moving Irish goods (i.e any good which is not a Qualifying Northern Irish goods) from Irish ports (e.g. Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort) directly to Great Britain (e.g Liverpool port and Holyhead port). As well as implementing the new biosecurity and security controls set out in this Border Target Operating Model on Irish goods moving direct from Ireland to Great Britain, we will also bring in full customs controls for these movements, changing the current arrangements that apply when these goods arrive into GB ports receiving traffic from Irish ports.

We want to work with stakeholders to ensure the introduction of these controls is done effectively.

In line with the wider Border Target Operating Model, on 31^st October 2023 we will introduce Prenotification, Export Health Certificates and Phytosanitary Certificates for Irish medium risk animal products, plant and plant products moving directly from Ireland into GB ports. Alongside this, full customs controls will be introduced for goods moving directly from Ireland into GB ports.

We will confirm when and how we will introduce: SPS documentary, physical and identity checks; and Safety and Security declarations for goods moving directly from Ireland to GB in the final Border Target Operating Model we publish later this year. We will ensure that importers, ports and Irish businesses have at least six months to prepare for any deadline for these controls to be turned on.

Navigating this section

This section sets out three timelines to help the private sector understand and prepare for future changes at the border.

A) A summary timeline setting out how the new Border Target Operating model will be implemented between October 2023 and October 2024 (other than for goods moving directly from Ireland to GB ports as noted above).

B) A summary roadmap that sets out how all of the government’s changes at the border ahead of 2025 will positively impact the experience of trading for importers and exporters.

C) A draft timeline for the delivery of the UK Single Trade Window setting out when new features for importers and exporters are expected to come online.

We are particularly seeking feedback on the timeline for implementing the Border Target Operating Model and the challenges the private sector may face in meeting it. However, it is our firm intention to proceed with the first milestone, the introduction of health certification on medium risk goods such as meat and dairy products for import to GB from the EU, on 31 October 2023. Importers and their supply chains should begin preparing for this milestone now to ensure they are ready.

Timeline A: Summary timeline for implementation of the Border Target Operating Model

Timeline B: Overall border transformation forward plan

UK Single Trade Window delivery timeline

Approach

The UK Single Trade Window will be delivered iteratively through a series of strategic releases, each one adding greater functionality and delivering an improved user experience, whilst incorporating feedback from earlier iterations. This will ultimately lead to the UK Single Trade Window being the single entry point for users to submit border data to border agencies.

The UK Single Trade Window is a cross-HMG and cross-nation delivery programme, delivering benefits in all the nations of the UK. Cabinet Office own development of the overall customer journey in line with 2025 Border Strategy ambitions, whilst HMRC is the lead delivery department, working in partnership with all border agencies responsible for border processes and IT systems, including those in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These key stakeholders will collectively be responsible for working together on the alignment, design and delivery of the legal, policy, operational, technical and service integration activity needed to deliver an effective UK Single Trade Window. Successful delivery of the UK Single Trade Window will depend on this, timely internal funding approvals, and legislation to facilitate data collection and sharing across government.

HMG will co-design the UK Single Trade Window with industry. This may influence the timing, sequencing and detail of functionality to ensure the service optimises benefits to users including industry. Co-design will help develop end to end customer journeys that are built around how traders actually operate and less around departmental regulatory requirements. It will help deliver new features and services in the best way possible; for example, by sector, location, or modality, to maximise system confidence and user take up.

UK Single Trade Window Delivery roadmap

In this draft Border Target Operating Model, we have set out the provisional development roadmap for the UK Single Trade Window, year on year, between 2023 and 2025. It is subject to detailed validation with the UK Single Trade Window supplier, who HMRC plan to appoint in Spring 2023, and will be kept under review. The roadmap may change due to external factors and as the programme continues to engage with industry on the detailed co-design of services and receives feedback on the technical development of the UK Single Trade Window. Individual years may see multiple strategic releases delivered within them.

As declarations and processes are brought into the UK Single Trade Window, a key driving principle throughout will be streamlining of data submission, including harmonisation where possible across different pre-arrival datasets.

2023

In 2023, the programme will aim to build the technical foundations for the UK Single Trade Window and focus on providing enablers on which functionality will be built in coming strategic releases, such as:

• an identity service (enabling users to register, access and submit data to a range of services across HMG and providing a single sign on experience for users).

• improved data management services providing a single source of consistent data across border agencies.

• initial web-based support tools to allow HMG customer support teams to investigate and answer customer support queries.

• signposting to payment. The UK Single Trade Window will signpost to existing payment systems and methods as part of the user journey. The Single Trade Window will ensure payment processes are considered in the user experience as future functionality is released.

The first customer-facing services will include a User Interface (UI) that will provide a single route for customers to submit data into border agencies. This will allow traders and intermediaries to submit Entry Summary Declarations (Safety and Security, for those already required to do so) and GB customs import declarations. Accompanying this user interface will be publicly available Application Programming Interfaces (API) to facilitate the submission of declarations into the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and S&SGB, enabling software providers to link their systems into the Single Trade Window.

The UK Single Trade Window will enable users to create and manage business relationships such as those between a trader and a freight forwarder, in a safe, secure and authorised way. This will allow customers to collaborate with other users in their supply chains on a single trade, with each user providing the data appropriate for their role. Users will also be able to access tailored guidance that supports them through their submissions.

Users will be able to check the clearance status of goods crossing the border and the status and progress of declarations from other users also submitting data to support a trade.

2024

In 2024, the Programme plans to focus on export, transit and Sanitary and Phytosanitary movements as well as trusted trader visibility. Also this will include:

• Exit Summary Declarations (Safety and Security). From October 2024, the UK Single Trade Window will incorporate the reduced data set for Safety and Security import declarations (Entry Summary Declarations) for both non-EU and EU goods, as described in section 1.2 of this document.

• The ability for traders to submit export customs declarations, import and export excise declarations, and import and export transit declarations.

• Sanitary and Phytosanitary import functionality including completion of Common Health Entry Documents.

• The ability to check Trusted Trader status and verify valid licences and permits.

• The ability for users to apply for Licences, Permits and Authorisations in the UK Single Trade Window and for government to respond to applications and manage Authorisations throughout their lifecycle#.

2025

In 2025, the Programme plans to incorporate further Sanitary and Phytosanitary functionality, enabling international interoperability, data analytics and utilisation of supply chain opportunities. This will include:

• Sanitary and Phytosanitary exports which can be completed using a User Interface and/or via Application Programming Interface.

• Sanitary and Phytosanitary imports of live animals which can be completed using a User Interface and/or via Application Programming Interface.

• The ability to track movement of consignments depending on supply chain data availability.

Ongoing activity

In addition to the proposed year-by-year activity set out above, the UK Single Trade Window programme will work with industry and business, border agencies, and its supplier on an ongoing basis to explore opportunities to further improve the customer experience; for example:

• Intuitive, context-specific and tailored customer support to improve usability.

• The use of supply chain data to simplify submissions and reduce burdens on business.

• Ensuring effective system integration with port systems and Community System Providers.

• Working with partners nationally and internationally to develop thinking on how the UK Single Trade Window can interact with similar systems globally.

Section 4: Improving the border for exporters

Supporting exporters by improving our import model

The Border Target Operating Model is focussed on improving how goods are imported into the UK. In doing so it will help not just importing businesses, but also those who export. It will do this in several ways:

• Introduction of Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls will assure our trade partners about the quality of the UK’s exports, by putting in place robust biosecurity and food quality standards. This will support around £20bn of food and drink exports from the UK each year.

• The technology that will deliver the new import model will also support exporters. Specifically the UK Single Trade Window will create a single digital front-door for exporters in the same way it will for importers, making it faster and easier to complete border requirements for exports.

• The new model uses technology and policy in a way in which few countries do. By showing that more data-driven approaches to risk can be used to secure our border the UK will be able to demonstrate to trade partners how their own import processes can be improved. Over time, and by influencing through multilateral fora, we therefore hope that UK exporters will benefit from similar simplifications implemented by our trade partners.

We are committed to working with our trading partners to support GB exporters and following publication of this draft Border Target Operating Model, the UK Government will discuss and test the proposals set out with our key trading partners.

Building on our existing support for exporters

The UK’s departure from the EU changed the way GB traders export to the EU. The UK Government recognised the need to implement strategic support for exporters and published a refreshed Export Strategy: Made in the UK, Sold to the World, in November 2021, further evolving the support for exporters and building on the UK’s independent trade policy to deliver jobs, higher wages and increased productivity to every part of the UK.

The Export Strategy is a 12-point action-led plan. It provides a framework, centred on businesses, for those wishing to begin their exporting journey or expand and enter new markets. It aims to address the barriers to trade that exist, which includes the costs of exporting, lack of knowledge, constraints in capacity, and lack of access to contacts or networks.

Our ‘Race to a £Trillion’ of exports annually by the end of the decade - faster than currently projected - represents a whole-economy and whole-of-Government ambition and requires the private and public sectors to work in partnership helping businesses of all sizes, sectors and across all parts of the UK to realise the benefits of international trade.

Access to large global markets means firms are more likely to invest and innovate – driving growth across the UK. Through our independent trade policy we have secured trade deals with 71 countries and the EU, worth over £800 billion in trade in 2021. Significant negotiations continue with India and to secure entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership – an agreement with countries with a combined Gross Domestic Product of £9 trillion in 2021. We are helping UK business to grasp the benefits and opportunities opened up by the deals we have done.

This is coupled with tackling market access barriers, ensuring British businesses can access new trading opportunities across the world. The UK Government has resolved around 400 market access barriers, across more than 70 countries, in the last two years. In 2023 the focus is on a hit list of around 100 priority issues that currently block British trade worth more than £20bn.

Through the Export Strategy, the UK Government’s export support services are being transformed, using data and digital approaches to create a fully integrated export support system, centred around the Export Support Service. An expanded digital offer provides the information to help businesses sell in any given country. Whether there is a Free Trade Agreement, or a business wants to understand the specific rules to export goods, our improved market guides on Great.gov.uk , and the Check How to Import and Export Goods tool will provide the appropriate information to them.

The Learn to Export platform offers a free range of webinars and online modules to develop businesses’ exporting capability and will help them build personalised International Sales plans.

No matter the size of the business, how much is exported or where in the UK the business is based, the Digital Enquiry Service is the first point of contact for all UK businesses to get answers to questions about exporting their products or services on issues such as paperwork required, specific rules for particular countries or information on potential new markets. The service can also help businesses navigate all the export services offered by the Department for Business and Trade and services offered by other government departments, helping companies find further support about trading with other countries.

The UK Export Academy is aimed at businesses looking to build their capability to export and understand the gaps in their knowledge. Through the foundation, masterclass and opportunities courses, businesses are given the right knowledge to be able to strategically plan their exporting activity.

For businesses with the greatest potential to export, we offer tailored support through our dedicated International Trade Advisors and International Markets Advisors. The International Trade Advisors Service, currently available in England, are experts in delivering one-to-one exporting advice, brokering business-to-business- partnerships and helping UK business deliver exports to overseas markets. International Markets Advisors are based overseas, with expertise around specific markets. They can provide advice and market intelligence to help a business enter a new market, introducing them to potential buyers and connecting them with our vetted network of in-market providers.

Improving Border processes for exporters

We are making some specific improvements to border processes for exporters alongside introduction of the Border Target Operating Model.

Creating a single gateway for all export processes

The UK Single Trade Window will enable all information required to import and export goods to be submitted to border agencies through one system. By the end of 2024 exporters, subject to technical discovery and legislation changes, should be able to make export declarations through the UK Single Trade Window alongside management of the authorisations and licences needed to export some goods.

Further functionality to support exporters will be released in phases as outlined in Section 3 of this document.

Removing Safety and Security requirements for low-risk export movements

In July 2022, we introduced a number of easements to reduce burdens on hauliers and carriers. These included:

• Removing Safety and Security requirements for empty units being exported under a transport contract.

• Removing Safety and Security export or import declarations for merchandise in baggage (i.e. commercial goods with a value above £1,500 carried by their owners in vans).

• Removing Safety and Security declaration requirements for outbound goods when they have been transhipped and are leaving via a different port. This applies as long as the goods are put into transit within 14 days of arrival and are moved under a single transport contract, with the import Safety and Security declaration still available and accurate.

As set out in Section 1 of this document we are removing the requirement for Safety and Security declarations from some further types of outbound movement: outbound fish, outbound transit movements and certain outbound freeport movements.

Remote export health certification for Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods

Feedback from certifiers has highlighted a lack of certainty regarding when it is permissible to certify goods remotely in line with Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons principles of certification. This lack of clarity can cause unnecessary delays for exporters. We have worked with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to enable Official Veterinarians to address these concerns. New guidance clarifies when Official Veterinarians, in limited or exceptional circumstances, can issue health certification for some goods without having to attend the site.

The remote issuing of health certificates is limited to consignments listed on Defra’s Remote Certification Guidance. Use of remote certification is possible for a limited set of goods (including shelf-stable products such as milk powder) where the certifier is familiar with the production establishment and processes, has access to up to date records and the product is identified in a way that means substitution is not possible. Full guidance outlining the conditions that permit a consignment to make use of remote certification are available on GOV.UK.

Section 5: Changes to the passenger model

We have had feedback from stakeholders that is helpful to set out plans for changes to the movement of goods across the border alongside plans for changes to the movement of passengers. This section sets out changes to the passenger model for immigration checks which are separate from customs declarations and checks.

The 2025 UK Border Strategy set out our commitment to build the most effective border in the world and we have reaffirmed our commitment to improving the experience for passengers^{[footnote 7]}. We will make crossing the border quicker and drive better security, immigration, and prosperity outcomes for the UK, whilst also improving the cost effectiveness of Border operations. We will achieve these benefits through better use of data, more advanced risking and detection capabilities, and increased use of enhanced automated solutions at the border.

When integrated into the overall border operating model this will enable us to more effectively manage the flow of people and goods. We recognise there is no ‘one size fits all’ model, and we will work in partnership with industry to develop solutions that work for air, maritime and rail travel.

Development of these solutions will be underpinned by three core principles:

1. Universal Permission to travel requirement:

• Everyone who wishes to come to the UK will need permission to do so before they travel.

• This permission will be in the form an eVisa, for those required to obtain a visa for the purpose of visits, transit or longer stays in the UK for work, study or other residence, and an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for those who wish to visit or transit the UK but are not currently required to obtain a visa or who do not have an immigration status.

• British and Irish citizens will not need to obtain a permission but will demonstrate their entitlement to travel to the UK by showing their passport, if travelling from outside the Common Travel Area.

• For those coming or returning to the UK, having been granted leave to enter or remain, their permission to travel to the UK will be their immigration status as evidenced by an entry clearance, biometric residence document, other physical document or, increasingly, a digital status.

• Carriers will be required to check that all passengers have a valid permission to travel before they travel to the UK, and we are providing a range of different interactive systems to help carriers carry out these checks.

2. Increased use of Automation:

• For most passengers, automation (currently provided by e-gates) will be their only point of contact at the border, resulting in less queuing and more resilience to multi-arrivals.

• Solutions will be developed in partnership with industry for cohorts of passengers or locations where automation is not possible within current means.

3. A More Intelligent Border:

• Passengers of specific interest, based on an understanding of everything we know about them, will be referred for examination to a Border Force Officer (BFO).

• Improved risking capabilities will identify previous unknowns to protect the UK against terrorist attacks, serious cross-border crime, and abuses of the immigration system.

• Integration of Government and carrier Information Technology systems will enable the provision of better advanced data.

Together these measures will allow Border Force officers to focus effort on the most value adding activities and enable us to embed a customer-centric culture in our work.

The Passenger Process

Figure 6: The Passenger Process

The above diagram outlines the process passengers will follow, navigating a simpler system with clearer rules and completing shorter more intuitive application forms. They will be able to access world-leading customer support as they plan to come to the UK.

Industry engagement

The UK Government acknowledges that for this model to be a success it must work closely with industry to ensure effective implementation. The Home Office is taking a structured approach to engaging industry on Borders Transformation, which began with a roundtable between the CEOs of leading industry partners and the Home Office in November 2022.

Throughout 2023 the Home Office will continue with a structured round of engagement to improve collaboration – from keeping partners better informed of areas of development within Government that will impact port operations, to areas where we may wish to partner on the codesign of specific solutions in pursuit of shared goals.

This work will ensure that change activity is developed against a clear end-state, developing the best possible solutions, ensuring readiness within Government and industry with realistic lead in times for delivery, and recognising the nuances and unique requirements of different ports and operators.

Annexes

Annex A: New ENS (Safety and Security import declaration) dataset (24 fields)

Mandatory fields

1. Unique consignment reference number

2. Consignor

3. Person lodging the summary declaration

4. Consignee

5. Carrier

6. Country(ies) of routing codes

7. Notify party

8. Mode of transport at the border

9. Identity of means of transport crossing border

10. Conveyance reference number

11. First place of arrival code

12. Date and time of arrival at first place of arrival in the Customs territory

13. Place of loading

14. Place of unloading code

15. Goods description

16. Types of packages (code), AKA Kind of packages

17. Number of packages

18. Container number

19. Goods item number

20. Gross Mass (kg)

21. Seal number

22. Marks and numbers of packages

23. Number of pieces

24. Transport Charges Method of payment code

Optional Fields

25. Commodity code

26. Total number of packages

27. Number of items

28. Other specific circumstances indicator

29. Special mentions

30. Signature and authentication

31. Declaration date and time

32. Declaration place

33. Reference number (LRN)

34. Transport document number

35. Nationality of active means of transport crossing the border

36. UN Dangerous Goods code

37. Hazardous

Annex B: Safety and Security User Journeys

The following user journeys show examples of processes that can be followed to meet the Safety and Security requirements set out in the Target Operating Model. This includes the different customs models and modes of transport that are likely to be used when moving goods into the UK. This doesn’t include separate requirements from exporting countries, which can vary between customs regimes.

The legal requirement to submit an entry summary declaration lies with the operator of the active means of transport. For example, the vessel, aircraft, train or road vehicle on or in which the goods are brought into the customs territory. We will refer to this party as the carrier. For RoRo we may also refer to this party as the haulage company for ‘accompanied’ goods and the ferry operator for ‘unaccompanied’ goods.

Currently Safety and Security declarations are submitted into S&SGB, a dedicated system, which requires specialist software to connect to it. In the longer-term, the UK Single Trade Window will enable all information required to import and export goods to be submitted to border agencies through one system, further simplifying the process for traders. HMRC is in the process of appointing the technical partner to deliver the UK Single Trade Window, and therefore some of these steps are indicative and may be subject to change. The UK Single Trade Window will undertake co-design with actors in industry, including the Community Systems Providers. This will empower them to take an active part in the design and creation of the products and services that will be delivered as part of the Single Trade Window, for them and for traders and agents.

Traders are also likely to hire an intermediary to deal with border requirements and transport the goods. These variables have been reflected in the below journeys. For step-by-step guidance, including preparations required for importing goods into the UK, please refer to GOV.UK.

1. Eurotunnel - Pre-Lodgement Model (UK Single Trade Window - 2024)

2. Short-Sea - Pre-Lodgement Model (UK Single Trade Window - 2024)

3. Short-Sea/Rail Freight - Temporary Storage Model (Non-UK Single Trade Window - 2024)

4. Containerised Non-Short-Sea Maritime/Air Freight - Temporary Storage Model (Non-UK Single Trade Window - 2024)

5. Landbridge - Common Transit Convention (NCTS - 2024/25)

S&S User Journey 1: Eurotunnel - Pre-Lodgement Model (UK STW - 2024)

Example of the steps required for goods arriving in the UK via accompanied Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) transport. In this scenario the haulage company as the operator of the active means of transport will submit the Safety & Security Declaration and the trader Import Customs Declarations using simplified declaration procedures. Declarations will be submitted to HMG via the UK Single Trade Window (STW).

ENS Timing Requirement - For the Channel Tunnel, due to juxtaposed controls, the ENS must be lodged at least 1 hour before arrival at the Eurotunnel. Note this can take place at any point between step 1 and 4

Pre-departure
Step 1: Haulage Company	Contract of Carriage Confirms that the goods and commercial details from the trader have been received. Eurotunnel  has a similar agreement with the haulage company relating to the carriage and ticket.
Step 2: Haulage Company (NEW)	Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) Required from November 2024 for EU-GB movements. Enters the UK STW and submits the reduced ENS dataset, receiving an Movement Reference Number (MRN) and acceptance message.
	STW - Public APIs (2023) Publicly available "STW Application Programming Interfaces" for the submission of declarations such as Custom Declaration Service or Safety and Security declarations will be delivered.
	STW - User Interface (2023) A User Interface that provides a single route for customers to submit data into Government.
Step 3: Trader (NEW)	Import Customs Declaration Enters the UK STW and submits the data fields required for a Simplified Frontier Declaration, receiving a Movement Reference Number (MRN) and acceptance message.
	STW - Collaborate on Trades (2023) The ability to collaborate with other users on a single trade, with each user providing the data appropriate for their role.
	STW - Trusted Trader (2024) The ability to apply for, check, and verify Government Trusted Trader status across all departments.
Step 4: Haulage Company	Goods Vehicle Movement Service Enters GVMS and creates a Goods Movement Reference (GMR), submitting the movement details (vehicle and crossing) and customs MRN before arriving at Coquelles.
Pre-arrival
Step 5: Driver	Departure & Crossing Driver arrives at check-in with the goods and Border Pass, which is scanned before boarding and juxtaposed controls where Border Force may carry out inspections. Before arrival, GVMS will notify if any customs inspections are required at an inland facility.
Arrival
Step 6: Trader (NEW)	Goods Released After the goods are delivered complete a supplementary declaration via UK STW by the 4th working day of the month following import. Payment of duties and VAT are taken from the Duty Deferment Account on the 15th (or next working day) of the next month.

S&S User Journey 2: Short-Sea - Pre-Lodgement Model (UK STW - 2024)

Example of the steps required for goods arriving in the UK using accompanied Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) transport. In this scenario the intermediary is acting on behalf of the trader to deal with border requirements and transport the goods. This includes being the operator of the active means of transport and submitting Safety & Security Declarations. Declarations will be submitted to HMG via the UK Single Trade Window (STW).

ENS Timing Requirement - RoRo accompanied goods must be lodged at least 2 hours before the goods are due to arrive in Great Britain.

Note this can take place at any point between step 1 and 4

Pre-departure
Step 1: Freight Forwarder	Contract of Carriage Confirms that the goods and commercial details from the trader have been received. The ferry service has a similar agreement with the freight forwarder relating to the carriage and ticket.
Step 2: Freight Forwarder (NEW)	Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) Enters the UK STW and submits the required fields for reduced ENS dataset, receiving an Movement Reference Number (MRN) and acceptance message.
	STW - Public APIs (2023) Publicly available "STW Application Programming Interfaces" for the submission of declarations such as Custom Declaration Service or Safety and Security declarations will be delivered.
	STW - User Interface (2023) A User Interface that provides a single route for customers to submit data into Government.
Step 3: Freight Forwarder (NEW)	Import Customs Declaration Enters the UK STW and submits the data fields required for a Full Customs Declaration, receiving a Movement Reference Number (MRN) and acceptance message.
	STW - Trusted Trader (2024) The ability to apply for, check, and verify Government Trusted Trader status across all departments.
	STW - Collaborate on Trades (2023) The ability to collaborate with other users on a single trade, with each user providing the data appropriate for their role.
Step 4: Freight Forwarder	Goods Vehicle Movement Service Enters and creates a Goods Movement Reference (GMR), submitting the movement details (vehicle and crossing) and customs MRN before departure.
Pre-arrival
Step 5: Driver	Departure & Crossing Driver arrives at check-in with the goods the GMR is scanned before boarding. Before arrival, GVMS will notify if any customs inspections are required at an inland facility or port. Border Force may also carry out inspections on arrival
Arrival
Step 6: Trader (NEW)	Goods Released Pay any duties and VAT via UK STW. If VAT registered, use postponed VAT accounting.

S&S User Journey 3: Short-Sea / Rail Freight - Temporary Storage Model (Non-STW - 2024)

Example of the steps required for goods arriving in the UK via containerised short sea and rail freight at inventory linked locations. In this scenario the carrier as the operator of the active means of transport will submit the Safety & Security Declaration and the trader Import Customs Declarations. Both will be using a Community System Provider (CSP) or 3rd party software to manage the movement and communicate with HMG systems.

Pre-departure
Step 1: Carrier	Contract of Carriage Confirms that the goods and commercial details from the trader have been received.
Step 2: Carrier (NEW)	Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) Required from November 2024 for EU-GB movements. Enters the STW or CSP and submits the required fields for reduced ENS dataset, receiving an Movement Reference Number (MRN) and acceptance message.
	ENS Timing Requirements Short sea journeys is at least 2 hours before arrival at the office of first entry.Rail is at least 2 hours before arrival at the UK customs Office of Entry (Dollands Moor for rail) or at least 1 hour if the journey is less than 2 hours
Arrival
Step 3: Carrier	Arrival of goods Carrier sends the manifest with container details via the seaport/rail terminal inventory system and on arrival the container/goods are given a Unique Consignment Number (UCN) to be claimed by the trader.
Step 4: Trader	Import Customs Declaration Within 90 days, completes Full Import Declaration and submits via CSP or 3rd party software to CDS. The user receives and includes the MRN to the CSP.
Step 5: Inventory-Linked Location	Customs Clearance For movements via inventory linked ports / rail terminals, the CSP receives notification if any customs or security inspections are required.
Step 6: Trader	Goods Released Transport is arranged to collect the goods. Via CSP or 3rd party software pay any duties and VAT. If VAT registered, use postponed VAT accounting.

S&S User Journey 4: Non-Short-Sea Maritime / Air Freight - Temporary Storage Model (Non-STW - 2024)

Example of the steps required for goods arriving in the UK via non short-sea containerised and air freight at inventory linked locations. In this scenario the carrier as the operator of the active means of transport will submit the Safety & Security Declaration and the trader Import Customs Declarations. Both will be using a Community System Provider (CSP) or 3rd party software to manage the movement and communicate with HMG systems.

Pre-departure
Step 1: Carrier	Contract of Carriage Confirms that the goods and commercial details from the trader have been received, either through the bill of lading or air waybil.
Step 2: Carrier (NEW)	Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) Required from November 2024 for EU-GB movements. Enters the STW or CSP and submits the required fields for reduced ENS dataset, receiving an Movement Reference Number (MRN) and acceptance message.
	ENS Timing Requirements For Containerised Cargo 24 hours before loading at port of departure.  Short-haul flight at time of “Wheels Up” of aircraft.  Long-haul 4 hours prior to arrival at the first airport in the country of destination.
Arrival
Step 3: Carrier	Arrival of goods Carrier sends the manifest with container details via the sea/air port inventory system and on arrival the container/goods are given a Unique Consignment Number (UCN) to be claimed by the trader.
Step 4: Trader	Import Customs Declaration Within 90 days, completes Full Import Declaration and submits via CSP or 3rd party software to CDS. The user receives and includes the MRN to the CSP.
Step 5: Inventory-Linked Location	Customs Clearance For movements via inventory linked sea/air ports, the CSP or 3rd party software receives notification if any customs or security inspections are required.
Step 6: Trader	Goods Released Transport is arranged to collect the goods. Via CSP or 3rd party software pay any duties and VAT. If VAT registered, use postponed VAT accounting.

S&S User Journey 5 Landbridge - Common Transit Convention (NCTS - 2024/25)

Example of a Freight Forwarder moving goods indirectly through the UK using Transit, accessing the STW via 3rd party software. For Oct 2024 a waiver will be introduced for outbound transit. From 2025, we will enable use of TSADs in place of separate transit and S&S declarations. STW integration of transit is due to be delivered in mid-2025. (From 2025, TSADs would be required if moving goods to a CTC country that has opted into using them, regardless of the outbound transit waiver).

(EU) Pre-departure
Step 1: Freight Forwarder & Driver	EU > GB Transit Movement Driver collects the NCTS electronic Movement Reference Number (MRN) from either the Office of Departure or Authorised Consignor. Freight Forwarder creates a Goods Movement Reference (GMR), submitting the movement details (vehicle and crossing). Freight Forwarder must include the Transit MRN in the GMR once it is available.
Step 2: Freight Forwarder (NEW)	Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) Enters the UK STW User Interface and submits the  required fields for reduced ENS dataset, receiving an Movement Reference Number (MRN) and acceptance message.
	NCTS Phase 6 By 1 June 2025, NCTS6 shares the Transit Safety Accompanying Document (TSAD) to fulfil Safety & Security requirements if like the UK, the Transit country has enabled them.
	STW - Transit (2025) Traders can submit Transit Declarations for both import and export via the UK STW.
(GB) Transit
Step 3: Freight Forwarder & Driver	Departure & Crossing For movements via ports using GVMS for transit, the user will be notified before arrival if customs inspections at an inland facility are required. Border Force may also request security inspections on arrival.
	Office of Transit Non-RoRo Channel Tunnel rail freight excluded from using GVMS for Office of Transit.
Step 4: Driver	GB > EU Transit Movement Driver continues to transit GB.
Step 5: Freight Forwarder	GB > EU Transit Movement For locations using GVMS the haulier creates another GMR before check-in, using the transit MRN and completing the movement level details. The GMR is presented at check-in.
	Export S&S (NEW) Waiver Export Summary Declarations will be waived for the transit exports.
(EU) Onward Journey
Step 6: Driver	End of Journey Driver leaves the Office of Destination.The haulier will have also met local requirements on arrival in the EU.

Annex C: Sanitary and phytosanitary user journeys

The Sanitary and Phytosanitary user journeys are designed to illustrate a high level view of the new import regime for Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods.

The journeys set out the primary Sanitary and Phytosanitary import procedures for EU and Rest of World goods from October 2023, January 2024^{[footnote 8]} and from October 2024.

The procedures will vary depending on the risk categorisation applied. The goods and countries of origin used are for illustrative purposes only. The final categorisation has not yet been determined; once determined the model will be dynamic and some goods may move categories.

The steps shown are in addition to other border procedures such as customs controls and additional certification that may be required to import particular goods.

Further refinement to these processes will develop as policy and systems are co-designed with industry.

LOW RISK Animal Products from EU (October 2023)
Canned Cured Chicken Breast from Denmark

No change to current requirements for low risk goods

Pre-arrival
Step 1: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete a c.16 data field IMP notification on IPAFFS to allow for effective traceability of a consignment. This will be required one working day 24 hours pre-arrival unless 4 hour derogation pre-agreed with PHA due to logistical constraints
Step 2: Importer	Commercial Documentation The importer will need to ensure they have all relevant documentation to cover import requirements, including essential traceability information.
Step 3: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will be able to enter via any point  of entry.
	No certification or SPS checks No certification requirements or, SPS documentary, identity and physical checks on EU low risk goods. Other non SPS checks may be required.
At the border
Step 4: HMG	Product released Following release from any customs checks and other non  SPS checks goods in free circulation.

LOW RISK Animal Products from RoW (October 2023)
Canned Frankfurters from Canada

User journey remains the same apart from access to available simplified certificates for RoW goods at end of 2023

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, then compile information Exporter identifies relevant simplified certificate and required signor. For most EHCs/Countries an Official Veterinarian would be required. The signor will need available all information to satisfy the conditions and requirements within the certificate.
Step 2: Exporter/Competent Authority	Certificate signed Once the signor is satisfied goods have met GB requirements, and reviewed supporting corporate information, they will complete a simplified EHC.
Step 3: Exporter	Routing The person responsible for the load will be able to enter via any point  of entry.
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Haulier/Carrier	Product released Following release from any customs checks and other non  SPS checks goods in free circulation.
Step 5: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete a CHED-P notification consisting of c.35 data fields.This will be required one working day pre-arrival unless 4 hour derogation pre-agreed with PHA due to logistical constraints. Importer must also upload the PDF copy of the EHC to IPAFFS as part of pre-notification.
At the border
Step 6: HMG	Documentary checks 100% documentary checks take place at the BCP with the paper certification.
Step 7: HMG	Arrival 100% ID and a percentage of physical inspections take place at the BCP.
	Physical & identity checks will remain at current levels for RoW goods
Step 8: HMG	Product released Following release from any customs checks and other non SPS checks goods in free circulation.

LOW RISK Animal Products from RoW and EU (January 2024)
Canned Frankfurters from Canada or Canned Cured Chicken Breast from Denmark

Removal of certification for ROW and introduction of new simplified CHED notification for EU and ROW

Pre-arrival
Step 1: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete a simplified CHED-P, a reduction on the current c.35 field process. This will be required one working day  pre-arrival unless 4 hour derogation pre-agreed with PHA due to logistical constraints.
Step 2: Importer	Commercial Documentation The importer will need to ensure they have all relevant documentation to cover import requirements, including essential traceability information.
Step 3: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP for POAO for human consumption.
	No certification or SPS checks No SPS certification or routine checks other than intelligence led inspections. Other non SPS checks may be required.
At the border
Step 4: HMG	Product released Following release from any customs checks and other non  SPS checks goods in free circulation.

LOW RISK Animal Products RoW and EU (October 2024)
Canned Frankfurters from Canada or Canned Cured Chicken Breast from Denmark

Pre arrival data set combined across border requirements introduced via Single Trade Window (STW)

Pre-arrival
Step 1: Importer	Importer pre-notification Importers provide a reduced dataset aligning SPS pre-notification with S&S/customs requirements via STW.
Step 2: Importer	Commercial Documentation The importer will need to ensure they have all relevant documentation to cover import requirements, including essential traceability information.
Step 3: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP for POAO for human consumption.
	No certification or SPS checks No SPS certification or routine checks other than intelligence led inspections. Other non SPS checks may be required.
At the border
Step 4: HMG	Product released Following release from any customs checks and other non  SPS checks goods in free circulation.

LOW RISK Animal Products RoW and EU (October 2024)
Canned Wild Caught Salmon from Canada

Pre arrival data set combined across border requirements introduced via Single Trade Window (STW)

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter/Competent Authority	Exporter applies for IUU  documentation (e.g. a Catch Certificate) and shares those documents, when validated by the exporter’s competent authority, with the GB importer
Pre-arrival
Step 2: Importer	Commercial Documentation The importer will need to ensure they have all relevant documentation to cover import requirements, including essential traceability information.
Step 3: Importer	Importer pre-notification Importers provide a reduced dataset aligning SPS pre-notification with S&S/customs requirements via STW. The importer will complete a simplified CHED-P, a reduction on the current c.35 field process. This will be required one working day pre-arrival unless 4 hour derogation pre-agreed with PHA due to logistical constraints. Importer to upload IUU documents to IPAFFS for documentary checks by PHA
Step 4: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP for POAO for human consumption.
At the border
Step 5: HMG	Product released Following release from any customs checks and other non  SPS checks goods in free circulation.
	No certification or SPS checks No SPS routine checks other than intelligence led inspections. Other non SPS checks may be required The PHA may select the consignment for a physical IUU inspection.

MEDIUM RISK Animal Products FROM EU (October 2023)
Fresh Chicken from France

Introduction of health certification requirements for medium risk EU goods

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, compile information Exporter identifies relevant certificate and required signor. For most EHCs/Countries an Official Veterinarian would be required. The signor will need available all information to satisfy the conditions and requirements within the certificate.
Step 2: Exporter/Competent Authority	Certificate signed Once the signor is satisfied the goods have met GB requirements, and reviewed supporting  information, they will complete a simplified EHC.
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the EHC is signed, the exporter will need to send a pdf copy to the importer.
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete one working day pre-arrival unless 4 hour derogation pre-agreed with PHA due to logistical constraints.  Importer must also upload the PDF copy of the EHC to IPAFFS as part of pre-notification.
Step 5: HMG	Documentary checks No official controls although some consignments may be subject to educational documentary checks where feedback on the certification is provided to importers
At the border
Step 6: HMG	Product released Following release from any customs checks and other non  SPS checks goods in free circulation.
	No checks No identity and physical checks Other non SPS checks may be required.

MEDIUM RISK Animal Products FROM RoW (October 2023)
Frozen Beef from Brazil

User journey remains the same apart from simplified certificates for RoW goods

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, compile information Exporter identifies relevant simplified certificate and required signor. For most EHCs/Countries an Official Veterinarian would be required. The signor will need all information  to satisfy the conditions and requirements within the certificate.
Step 2: Exporter/Competent Authority	Certificate signed Once the signor is satisfied goods have met GB requirements & reviewed supporting  information they will complete a simplified EHC.
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the EHC is signed, the exporter will need to send a PDF copy to the importer and ensure that the original paper certificate can be presented with the consignment at the BCP (certificate can either travel with the consignment or be sent to PHA).
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP for frozen POAO for human consumption.
Step 5: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete a CHED-P notification consisting of c.35 data fields.  This will be required one working day pre-arrival unless 4 hour derogation pre-agreed with PHA due to logistical constraints.  Importer must also upload the PDF copy of the EHC to IPAFFS as part of pre-notification.
At the border
Step 6: HMG	Documentary checks/Arrival 100% documentary checks take place at the BCP with the paper certification. 100% ID and a percentage of physical inspections take place at the BCP.
	Physical & identity checks will remain at current levels for RoW goods
Step 7: HMG	Product released Following release from any customs checks and other non-SPS checks goods in free circulation.

MEDIUM RISK Animal Products from RoW and EU (January 2024)
Fresh Beef from Brazil or Chicken from France

Introduce checks for EU goods and implement new check model for RoW imports

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, compile information Exporter identifies relevant simplified  certificate and required signor. For most EHCs/Countries an Official Veterinarian would be required. The signor will need available all information to satisfy the conditions and requirements within the certificate.
Step 2: Exporter/Competent Authority	Certificate signed Once the signor is satisfied the goods have met GB requirements, & reviewed supporting information, they will complete a simplified EHC.
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the EHC is signed the exporter will need to send a PDF copy to the importer and may need to  ensure the original paper certificate can be presented with the consignment at the BCP.
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP for chilled POAO for human consumption.
Step 5: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete a CHED-P notification consisting of c.35 data fields  This will be required one working day  pre-arrival unless 4 hour derogation pre-agreed with PHA due to logistical constraints. Importer must also upload the PDF copy of the EHC to IPAFFS as part of pre-notification.
Step 6: HMG	Documentary checks Before the goods arrive, an official  will review each certificate and other documentation individually and decide whether to request the goods report for identity and/or physical checks.
At the border
Step 7: HMG	Arrival If the official deems a check is required, or if the consignment is randomly selected: (RoRo) the importer, agent or driver will be notified by HMG to report for a physical check at a relevant BCP for an inspection by a certified inspector; (LoLo) Port staff will move the container to BCP.
	Check levels for medium risk products will generally be 1%, although this may be higher
Step 8: HMG	Product released Following successful completion of any SPS checks as well customs and non-SPS.

MEDIUM RISK Animal Products from RoW and EU (October 2024)
Fresh Beef from Brazil or Chicken from France

Introduction of STW (RoW e-certification to be confirmed, process will differ where e-certification is not in place)

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, compile information Exporter identifies relevant certificate and required signor. For most EHCs/Countries an Official Veterinarian would be required. The signor will need information to satisfy the conditions and requirements within the certificate.
Step 2: Exporter/Competent Authority	For digitised certification Signor uploads simplified data/e-signature that transfer directly to HMG systems (for countries where e-certification is in place). EU TRACES will allow quick production and pre-population of repeated certificates.
Pre-arrival
Step 3: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP for chilled POAO for human consumption.
Step 4: Importer	Importer Pre-notification Importers provide a reduced dataset aligning SPS with S&S/customs requirements via STW. Once the EHC is digitally signed, the importer will have the option to use EHC data transmitted via the exporting country national system to pre-populate the pre-notification (for countries where E-certification is in place) This will complete the majority of data that can be provided by the exporter at the point of certification. The remaining information will be entered manually.
Step 5: HMG	Documentary checks Documentary checks will be 100% and potentially  automated.
At the border
Step 6: HMG	Physical/Identity checks If the official deems a check is required, or if the consignment is randomly selected: (RoRo) the importer, agent or driver will be notified by HMG to report for a physical check at a relevant BCP for an inspection by a certified inspector; (LoLo) Port staff will move the container to BCP.
	Check levels for medium risk products will generally be 1%, although this may be higher
Step 7: HMG	Product released Following successful completion of any SPS checks as well customs and non-SPS.

Annex II of Retained EU Regulation 2019/1793 Goods (October 2023)
User journey remains the same for HRFNAO

If HRFNAO enters GB, having been placed on the EU Market and not subject to any further processing

*Annex I goods will skip steps 2 & 3

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Identify whether commodity is high-risk and requires certification Using Retained EU Regulation 2019/1793, determine if the commodity to be imported into GB is listed in either Annex I or II and therefore subject to import requirements. *Annex I products will be subject to pre-notification. Annex II will require an EHC and a cert of lab analysis completed by the competent authority in the country of despatch.
Step 2: Exporter/Competent Authority	Certificates completed This step only applies for those commodities listed in Annex II of Retained EU Regulation 2019/1793. The exporter approaches the Competent Authority which arranges for sampling and analysis and provides a certificate of analysis and completes the EHC.
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification EHC is signed, the exporter needs to send a pdf copy to the importer and ensure the original paper certificate accompanies the goods.
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Haulier/Carrier	Routing Consignments will continue to be able to enter GB through any point of entry.
Step 5: Importer	Pre-notification Complete an *IMP notification on IPAFFS.  This will be required 24 hours pre-arrival unless 4 hour derogation pre-agreed with PHA due to logistical constraints.  Importer must also upload the PDF copy of the EHC to the IMP as part of pre-notification.  *(tbc - subject to change)
Step 6: HMG	Documentary checks No official controls although some consignments may be subject to educational documentary checks where feedback on the certification is provided to importers
At the border
Step 7: HMG	Product released If the product passes all checks and clears customs requirements, it can proceed to point of destination, ready to be released into free circulation.

Annex II of Retained EU Regulation 2019/1793 Goods (January 2024)

If HRFNAO enters GB via the EU having been placed in the EU Market and not subject to any further processing or direct from ROW

*Annex I goods will skip steps 2 & 3

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Identify whether commodity is high-risk and requires certification Using Retained EU Regulation 2019/1793, determine whether the commodity to be imported into GB is listed in either Annex I or II and subject to import requirements.  *Annex I products will be subject to pre-notification. Annex II will require an EHC and a certificate of laboratory analysis completed by the competent authority in the country of despatch.
Step 2: Exporter/Competent Authority	Certificates completed This step only applies for those commodities listed in Annex II of Retained EU Regulation 2019/1793.  The exporter approaches the Competent Authority which arranges for sampling and analysis and provides a certificate of analysis and completes the EHC.
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the EHC is signed, the exporter will need to send a pdf copy to the importer and ensure the original paper certificate accompanies the goods.
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP for HRFNAO inspections.
Step 5: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete a CHED-D notification consisting of 35 data fields.  This will be required 24 hours pre-arrival unless 4 hour derogation pre-agreed with PHA due to logistical constraints.. Importer must also upload the PDF copy of the EHC to IPAFFS as part of pre-notification.
Step 6: HMG	Documentary checks Before the goods arrive, an official  will review each certificate and other documentation individually and decide whether to request the goods report for identity and/or physical checks.
At the border
Step 7: HMG	Arrival If the official deems a check is required, or if the consignment is randomly selected,  the importer, agent or driver/port operator (for unaccompanied loads) will be notified. The consignment must be presented to the relevant BCP for an in-person inspection by an authorised officer.
	Identity and physical checks will remain as stipulated in Retained EU Regulation 2019/1793.
Step 8: HMG	Product released If the product passes all checks and clears customs requirements, it can proceed to point of destination, ready to be released into free circulation.

Annex II of Retained EU Regulation 2019/1793 Goods (October 2024)
Introduction of STW

If HRFNAO enters GB via the EU having been placed on the EU market and not subject to any further processing or direct from RoW

*Annex I goods will skip steps 2 & 3

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Identify whether commodity is high-risk and requires certification Using Retained EU Regulation 2019/1793, decide if the commodity to be imported into GB is listed in Annex I or II and subject to import requirements.  *Annex I products will be subject to pre-notification. Those listed in Annex II will require an EHC and a certificate of laboratory analysis completed by the competent authority in the country of despatch.
Step 2: Exporter/Competent Authority	Certificates completed This step only applies for those commodities listed in Annex II of Retained EU Regulation 2019/1793.  The exporter approaches the Competent Authority which arranges for sampling and analysis and provides a certificate of analysis and completes the EHC.
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the EHC is signed, the exporter will need to send a pdf copy to the importer and ensure the original paper certificate accompanies the goods.
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP for HRFNAO inspections.
Step 5: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will submit all required pre-notification information into the STW. Once the EHC is digitally signed, the systems will also automatically compile the data via APIs and the importer will simply need to review its accuracy before submission.
Step 6: HMG	Documentary checks Before the goods arrive, an official  will review each certificate and other documentation individually and decide whether to request the goods report for identity and/or physical checks.
At the border
Step 7: HMG	Arrival If the official deems a check is required, or if the consignment is randomly selected,  the importer, agent or driver/port operator (for unaccompanied loads) will be notified by [HMG]. The consignment must be presented to the relevant BCP for an in-person inspection by an authorised officer.
	Identity and physical checks will remain as stipulated in Retained EU Regulation 2019/1793.
Step 8: HMG	Product released If the product passes all checks and clears customs requirements, it can proceed to point of destination, ready to be released into free circulation.

HIGH RISK ANIMALS from EU (January 2024)
Live Cattle from the Netherlands

User journey remains the same, simplified certificates introduced

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Identify whether commodity is high-risk and requires certification Exporter identifies relevant simplified  certificate & signor. For most live animals  an Official Veterinarian would be required. The signor will need all information to satisfy the conditions and requirements within the certificate.
Step 2: Exporter/Competent Authority	Certificates completed Once the signor is satisfied the animals have met GB requirements, and reviewed corporate information, they will complete GB EHC.
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the EHC is signed, the exporter will need to send a pdf copy to the importer and for countries not using TRACES they will also need to ensure the original paper certificate accompanies the animals.
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete pre-notification one working day  pre-arrival unless 4 hour derogation pre-agreed with PHA due to logistical constraints. Importer must also upload the PDF copy of the EHC to IPAFFS as part of pre-notification.
Step 5: HMG	Documentary checks An official will review each certificate and other documentation individually and decide whether to request the animals require identity and/or physical checks at destination.
At the border
Step 6: HMG	Arrival If goods are flagged for a check, APHA will conduct an on-site inspection at animal/s destination.
	Physical and identity checks will remain at destination for live animals from the EU and there will be no SPS customs holds.

HIGH RISK ANIMALS from RoW (January 2024)
Pigs for Breeding from USA

User journey remains the same, simplified certificates available

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, then compile information Exporter identifies relevant simplified certificate and required signor. For most live animals  an Official Veterinarian would be required. The signor will need available all information to satisfy the conditions and requirements within the certificate.
Step 2: Exporter/Competent Authority	Certificates signed Once the signor is satisfied the animals have met GB requirements, and reviewed supporting  information, they will complete a full EHC.
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the EHC is signed, the exporter will need to send a pdf copy to the importer and ensure the original paper certificate accompanies the animals.
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Haulier/Carrier	Pre-notification The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated live animal BCP designated  for ungulates.
Step 5: Importer	Documentary checks The importer will complete a CHED-A notification consisting of c.35 data fields. This will be required one working day  pre-arrival unless 4 hour derogation pre-agreed with PHA due to logistical constraints.  Importer must also upload the PDF copy of the EHC to IPAFFS as part of pre-notification.
	Animal welfare requirements (e.g. journey log) must also be complied with.
At the border
Step 6: HMG	Documentary checks / Physical inspection 100% documentary, ID and physical inspections are carried out at the BCP. (certain post import tests carried out at destination)
	Physical and identity checks will remain at BCPs for RoW live animals
Step 7: HMG	Following release from any customs checks and other non  SPS checks animals are in free circulation.

HIGH RISK ANIMALS from EU or RoW (October 2024)
Live Cattle from Netherlands or Pigs for Breeding from USA

Introduce physical checks at *BCPs in line with facilities becoming available. Introduction of STW (RoW e-certification tbc process will differ where e-certification not in place ) *for illustrative purposes only, the actual phasing in of BCP inspections for different EU live animal species is still being determined

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, then compile information Exporter identifies relevant certificate & required signor. For most live animals  an Official Veterinarian would be required. The signor will need available all information to satisfy the conditions and requirements within the certificate.
Step 2: Exporter/Competent Authority	Digitised certification Signor uploads simplified data/e-signature that transfer directly to HMG systems. [EU TRACES will allow quick production and pre-population of repeated certificates]
	Animal welfare requirements (e.g. journey log) must also be complied with.
Pre-arrival
Step 3: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated ungulate BCP..
Step 4: Importer	Importer pre-notification Importers provide a reduced dataset aligning with S&S/customs requirements via STW. Once the EHC is digitally signed, the importer will have the option to use EHC data transmitted via the exporting country national system to pre-populate the pre-notification (for countries where E-certification is in place) This will complete the majority of data that can be provided by the exporter at the point of certification. The remaining information will be entered manually.
Step 5: HMG	Documentary check Documentary checks will be 100% and will be automated in time.
At the border
Step 6: HMG	Physical/Identity checks The importer, agent or driver will be notified by HMG to report for a physical check at a relevant BCP for an in-person inspection by a certified inspector.  Certain non-livestock species may be checked at destination  (certain post import tests will be carried out at destination regardless of check location
	[Physical and identity checks will partially move to BCPs for live animals from EU]
Step 7: HMG	Product released For animals checked at a BCP, following successful completion of any SPS checks as well customs and non-SPS the product proceeds to point of destination.

MEDIUM RISK PLANT AND PLANT PRODUCTS from EU (October 2023)
Fruit - Quinces

Introduce certification requirements for EU goods (introduce digitisation via ePhyto for EU exporting countries that use TRACES NT as an export module)

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, then compile information Exporter identifies relevant Phytosanitary Certificate (PC). These are digitised as ePhyto’s and sent directly from one the EU’s competent authority to the GB competent authority. Exporter will receive a unique reference number
Step 2: Competent Authority	Digitised certification Exporting CA transmits ePhyto through the IPPC hub that will transfer directly to HMG systems
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the ePhyto is signed the importer will receive the unique reference number allowing them to retrieve the ePhyto from HMG systems
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete a CHED-PP, by cloning the information from the ePhyto and completing any other fields that are required
Step 5: HMG	Documentary checks Document checks will be completed remotely by plant health services (APHA/SASA).
At the border
Step 6: HMG	Product released At the point where all checks are passed the product will be released into free circulation and can proceed to destination.
	No physical checks No physical and identity checks on EU medium risk goods until January 2024.

MEDIUM RISK PLANT AND PLANT PRODUCTS from RoW (October 2023)
Fruit - Quinces

No changes introduced

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, then compile information Exporter identifies relevant Phytosanitary Certificate (PC). These are paper-based certificates which will be provided to the exporter.
Step 2: Competent Authority	Certificate signed Once the RoW CA has conducted an inspection, they will complete and issue a paper-based PC
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the PC is signed, the exporter will need to send a pdf copy to the importer and ensure the original paper certificate accompanies the goods.
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete a CHED-PP.  Importer must also upload the PDF copy of the PC to IPAFFS as part of pre-notification
Step 5: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP or inland Control Point for P&PP as notified on the CHED-PP.
Step 6: HMG	Documentary checks Document checks will be completed remotely by plant health service (APHA/SASA).  The risk engine within IPAFFS will select consignments to report for identity and physical checks.
At the border
Step 7: HMG	Arrival If the consignment is selected,  the agent or importer will be notified by HMG. The haulier will then need to BCP or CP selected as part of the CHED PP notification
	Physical & identity checks will remain at current levels for RoW goods
Step 8: HMG	Product released At the point where all checks are passed the product will be released into free circulation and can proceed to destination.
Step 9: Importer	Provide original PC When the original PC is received by the importer this must be provided to the CA within 5 working days.

MEDIUM RISK PLANT AND PLANT PRODUCTS from EU (January 2024)
Fruit - Quinces

Introduce physical/identity checks for EU goods

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, then compile information Exporter identifies relevant Phytosanitary Certificate (PC). These are digitised as ePhyto’s and sent directly from one the EU’s competent authority to the GB competent authority. Exporter will receive a unique reference number
Step 2: Competent Authority	Digitised certification Exporting CA transmits ePhyto through the IPPC hub that will transfer directly to HMG systems
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the ePhyto is signed the importer will receive the unique reference number allowing them to retrieve the ePhyto from HMG systems
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete a CHED-PP, by cloning the information from the ePhyto and completing any other fields that are required
Step 5: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP or inland Control Point for P&PP as notified on the CHED-PP.
Step 6: HMG	Documentary checks Document checks will be completed remotely by plant health service (APHA/SASA).  The risk engine within IPAFFS will select consignments to report for identity and physical checks.
At the border
Step 7: HMG	Physical/Identity checks If the consignment is selected,  the agent or importer will be notified by HMG. The haulier will then need to take the goods to a BCP or CP as notified on the CHED-PP. This may be trader premises if CP designated.
	Check levels will generally be 3%. APHA/SASA record these outcomes on IPAFFS.
Step 8: HMG	Product released At the point where all checks are passed the product will be released into free circulation and can proceed to destination.

MEDIUM RISK PLANT AND PLANT PRODUCTS from RoW (January 2024)
Fruit - Quinces

Reduced physical/identity checks for RoW

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, then compile information Exporter identifies relevant Phytosanitary Certificate (PC). These are paper-based certificates which will be provided to the exporter.
Step 2: Competent Authority	Certificate signed Once the RoW CA has conducted an inspection, they will complete and issue a paper-based PC
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the PC is signed, the exporter will need to send a PDF copy to the importer and ensure the original paper certificate accompanies the goods.
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Importer	Pre-notification Importer will complete a CHED-PP.  Importer must also upload the PDF copy of the PC to IPAFFS as part of pre-notification.
Step 5: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP or CP. This may be trader premises if CP designated.
Step 6: HMG	Documentary checks Document checks will be completed remotely by plant health service (APHA/SASA), the risk engine within IPAFFS will select consignments to report for identity and physical checks.
At the border
Step 7: HMG	Physical/Identity checks If the consignment is selected,  the agent or importer will be notified by HMG. The haulier will then need to take the goods to a BCP or CP as notified on the CHED-PP. This may be trader premises if CP designated.
	Check levels will generally be 5%.  APHA/SASA record these outcomes on IPAFFS.
Step 8: HMG	Product released At the point where all checks are passed the product will be released into free circulation and can proceed to destination.
Step 9: Importer	Provide original PC When the original PC is received by the importer this must be provided to the CA within 5 working days.

MEDIUM RISK PLANT AND PLANT PRODUCTS from EU and RoW (October 2024)
Fruit - Quinces

Introduce benefits of STW facilitations, implement Authorised Operator Status (AOS) and introduce ePhyto digitisation for RoW

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, then compile information Exporter identifies relevant Phytosanitary Certificate (PC). These are digitised as ePhyto’s and sent directly from the exporting competent authority to the GB competent authority. Exporter will receive a unique reference number
Step 2: Competent Authority	Digitised certification Exporting CA transmits ePhyto through the IPPC hub that will transfer directly to HMG systems.
Step 3: Exporter	PC automatically cloned Once the ePhyto is signed the importer will receive the unique reference number allowing them to retrieve the ePhyto from HMG systems.
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Importer	Importer Pre-notification Via STW - a preferred single point of contact with HMG systems to prevent  duplication of data and allow more traders to self-serve. Once the PC is digitally signed, the systems will automatically compile the data via APIs from other sources and the importer will simply need to review its accuracy before submission.
Step 5: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP or inland Control Point for P&PP as notified on the CHED-PP
Step 6: HMG	Automated risk-based documentary check Documentary checks will generally reduce to 3-5% depending on country of origin and be automated.
At the border
Step 7: HMG	Physical/Identity checks If the consignment is selected,  the agent or importer will be notified by HMG. The haulier will then need to take the goods to a BCP or an inland Control Point for physical and identity inspection by a HMG plant health inspector.  This may be trader premises if CP designated.
	Authorised Operators for AOS will have the flexibility to carry out their own physical and identity checks at their designated CP (traders premises) *provided they meet the necessary AOS criteria
Step 8: HMG	Product released At the point where all checks are passed the product will be released into free circulation and can proceed to destination.

HIGH RISK PLANT AND PLANT PRODUCTS from EU (October 2023)
Lavender plants for planting

Introduce digitisation via ePhyto for some EU MS’s

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, then compile information Exporter identifies relevant Phytosanitary Certificate (PC). These are digitised as ePhyto’s and sent directly from one the EU’s competent authority to the GB competent authority. Exporter will receive a unique reference number
Step 2: Competent Authority	Digitised certification Exporting CA transmits ePhyto through the IPPC hub that will transfer directly to HMG systems.
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the ePhyto is signed the importer will receive the unique reference number allowing them to retrieve the ePhyto from HMG systems
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete a CHED-PP, by cloning the information from the ePhyto and completing any other fields that are required on IPAFFS
Step 5: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP or CP. This may be trader premises if CP designated.
Step 6: HMG	Documentary checks Document checks will be completed remotely by plant health services (APHA/SASA).
At the border
Step 7: HMG	Arrival Physical and identity checks are will continue to be checked at a Place of Destination (PoD) (until checks move to a BCP/CP) Jan 2024
	Physical & identity checks will remain at current levels as introduced in July 2022/harmonised checks for all third countries
Step 8: HMG	Product released At the point where all checks are passed the product will be released into free circulation.

HIGH RISK PLANT AND PLANT PRODUCTS from RoW (October 2023)
Lavender plants for planting

No changes introduced

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, then compile information Exporter identifies relevant Phytosanitary Certificate (PC). These are paper-based certificates which will be provided to the exporter.
Step 2: Competent Authority	Digitised certification Once the RoW CA has conducted an inspection, they will complete and issue a paper-based PC.
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the PC is signed, the exporter will need to send a pdf copy to the importer and ensure the original paper certificate accompanies the goods.
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete a CHED-PP.  Importer must also upload the PDF copy of the PC to IPAFFS as part of pre-notification.
Step 5: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP or inland Control Point for P&PP as notified on the CHED-PP.
Step 6: HMG	Documentary checks Document checks will be completed remotely by plant health service (APHA/SASA). The risk engine within IPAFFS will select consignments to report for identity and physical checks.
At the border
Step 7: HMG	Arrival If the consignment is selected,  the agent or importer will be notified by HMG. The haulier will then need to BCP or CP selected as part of the CHED PP notification.
	Physical & identity checks will remain at current levels as introduced in July 2022/harmonised checks for all third countries
Step 8: HMG	Product released At the point where all checks are passed the product will be released into free circulation and can proceed to destination.
Step 9: Importer	Provide original PC When the original PC is received by the importer this must be provided to the CA within 5 working days.

HIGH RISK PLANT AND PLANT PRODUCTS from EU (January 2024)
Lavender plants for planting

Physical/identity checks for EU goods move to BCP’s/CP’s and introduce ePhyto digitisation for remaining EU MS’s

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, then compile information Exporter identifies relevant Phytosanitary Certificate (PC). These are digitised as ePhyto’s and sent directly from one the EU’s competent authority to the GB competent authority. Exporter will receive a unique reference number
Step 2: Competent Authority	Digitised certification Exporting CA transmits ePhyto through the IPPC hub that will transfer directly to HMG systems.
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the ePhyto is signed the importer will receive the unique reference number allowing them to retrieve the ePhyto from HMG systems
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete a CHED-PP.  Importer must also upload the PDF copy of the PC to IPAFFS as part of pre-notification.
Step 5: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP or CP. This may be trader premises if CP designated.
Step 6: HMG	Documentary checks Document checks will be completed remotely by plant health services (APHA/SASA). The risk engine within IPAFFS will select consignments to report for identity and physical checks.
At the border
Step 7: HMG	Physical/Identity checks If the consignment is selected,  the agent or importer will be notified by HMG. The haulier will then need to take the goods to a BCP or an inland Control Point for physical and identity  inspection by a HMG plant health inspector.  This may be trader premises if CP designated.
	Check levels will generally be 5-100%. APHA/SASA record these outcomes on IPAFFS.
Step 8: HMG	Product released At the point where all checks are passed the product will be released into free circulation and can proceed to destination.

HIGH RISK PLANT AND PLANT PRODUCTS from RoW (January 2024)
Lavender plants for planting

Reduced physical/identity checks for RoW

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, then compile information Exporter identifies relevant Phytosanitary Certificate (PC). These are paper-based certificates which will be provided to the exporter.
Step 2: Competent Authority	Certificate signed Once the RoW CA has conducted an inspection, they will complete and issue a paper-based PC.
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the PC is signed, the exporter will need to send a pdf copy to the importer and ensure the original paper certificate accompanies the goods.
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Importer	Pre-notification The importer will complete a CHED-PP.  Importer must also upload the PDF copy of the PC to IPAFFS as part of pre-notification.
Step 5: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP or CP. This may be trader premises if CP designated.
Step 6: HMG	Documentary checks Document checks will be completed remotely by plant health services (APHA/SASA). The risk engine within IPAFFS will select consignments to report for identity and physical checks.
At the border
Step 7: HMG	Physical/Identity checks If the consignment is selected,  the agent or importer will be notified by HMG. The haulier will then need to take the goods to a BCP or an inland Control Point for physical and identity inspection by a HMG plant health inspector.  This may be trader premises if CP designated.
	Check levels will generally be 5-100%. APHA/SASA record these outcomes on IPAFFS.
Step 8: HMG	Product released At the point where all checks are passed the product will be released into free circulation and can proceed to destination.
Step 9: Importer	Provide original PC When the original PC is received by the importer this must be provided to the CA within 5 working days.

HIGH RISK PLANT AND PLANT PRODUCTS from EU and RoW (October 2024)
Lavender plants for planting

Introduce benefits of STW facilitations, implement Authorised Operator Status (AOS) and introduce ePhyto digitisation for RoW

Pre-departure
Step 1: Exporter	Determine type of certificate and signor, then compile information Exporter identifies relevant Phytosanitary Certificate (PC). These are digitised as ePhyto’s and sent directly from the exporting competent authority to the GB competent authority. Exporter will receive a unique reference number
Step 2: Competent Authority	Digitised certification As part of continued rollout yto, the exporting CA transmits ePhyto through the IPPC hub that will transfer directly to HMG systems.
Step 3: Exporter	Provide importer with certification Once the ePhyto is signed the importer will receive the unique reference number allowing them to retrieve the ePhyto from HMG systems
Pre-arrival
Step 4: Importer	Importer Pre-notification Via STW - a preferred single point of contact with HMG systems to prevent  duplication of data and allow more traders to self-serve. Once the PC is digitally signed, the systems will automatically compile the data via APIs and the importer will simply need to review its accuracy before submission.
Step 5: Haulier/Carrier	Routing The person responsible for the load will need to ensure goods enter GB via a suitable point of entry with a designated BCP or CP. This may be trader premises if CP designated.
Step 6: HMG	Automated documentary check Documentary checks will remain 100% but become automated.
At the border
Step 7: HMG	Physical/Identity checks If the consignment is selected,  the agent or importer will be notified by HMG. The haulier will then need to take the goods to a BCP or an inland Control Point for physical and identity inspection by a HMG plant health inspector.  This may be trader premises if CP designated.
	Authorised Operators for AOS will have the flexibility to carry out their own physical and identity checks at their designated CP (traders premises) *provided they meet the necessary AOS criteria
Step 8: HMG	Product released At the point where all checks are passed the product will be released into free circulation and can proceed to destination.

Annex D - Further detail on plant import requirements, broken down by risk level

Category	Technical dossier required from NPPO to support a derogation/ case to overturn a permanent prohibition bofore imports can take place	Technical dossier required from NPPO to support import conditions for a specific trade, before imports can take place	PC required	Specific pre-export requiremants to be confirmed by additional daclarations
Prohibited (e.g. a range of coniferous tress, oak trees, seed potatoes from most third countries)	x		x	x
Very high-risk plants (a range of the highest risk trees and shrubs from all non-EU countries)		x	x	x
High-risk plants (all plants for planting, potatoes, some seed and some timber)			x	x
Medium-risk plants (includes plant products with an identified pest/disease risk)			x	x
Low-risk plants (listed by exception, this category is the catch-all for anything which isn/t listed elsewhere. It includes a wide range of fresh produce which doesn’tcarry an identified pest/disease risk but where there isn’t sufficient evidence to confirm there is no risk)
Unregulated (sufficient evidence that there is no material risk to GB’s biosecurity, includes fruit of citrus, mango and durian)

Category	Pre-notification	Systematic risk-based doc checks	Systematic risk-based ID/physical checks	Post import survelliane
Prohibited (e.g. a range of coniferous tress, oak trees, seed potatoes from most third countries)	x	x	x	x
Very high-risk plants (a range of the highest risk trees and shrubs from all non-EU countries)	x	x	x	x
High-risk plants (all plants for planting, potatoes, some seed and some timber)	x	x (100%)	x (5-100%)	x
Medium-risk plants (includes plant products with an identified pest/disease risk)	x	x (typically 3-5%)	x (typically 3-5%)	x
Low-risk plants (listed by exception, this category is the catch-all for anything which isn/t listed elsewhere. It includes a wide range of fresh produce which doesn’tcarry an identified pest/disease risk but where there isn’t sufficient evidence to confirm there is no risk)				x
Unregulated (sufficient evidence that there is no material risk to GB’s biosecurity, includes fruit of citrus, mango and durian)

Annex E (1 of 2): Frequencies of plant health import inspections

Annex E: Frequencies of plant health import inspections across GB from 22 July 2022

High-level Category	Sub Category	Frequency of ID and physical checks EU and RoW
Machinery and Vehicles	Machinery and vehicles which have been operated for agricultural or forestry purposes	5%
Soil and Growing Medium	Soil and Growing Medium	Inspected at the frequency of the plant(s) it is associated with
Grain (other than seed for sowing) of the genera Triticum, Secale  and x	Grain (other than seed for sowing) of the genera Triticum, Secale  and x Triticosecale from countries with Karnal bunt (Afghanistan, India, Iran, Iraq, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa and the USA)	100%
Cut Christmas Trees (less than 3m height)	EU	3%
	Non-EU	5%
Bark	Bark	100%
Wood (and cut Christmas trees of greater than 3m height)	Wood	100%
Plants for planting, other than seed	Dormant bulbs, corms, rhizomes, tubers, onion, garlic, shallots, not in substrate intended for planting (other than tubers of potatoes) not for final users* or commercial flower production only	100%
	Dormant bulbs, corms, rhizomes, tubers, onion, garlic, shallots, not in substrate intended for planting (other than tubers of potatoes) for final users* or commercial flower production only	10%
	Cuttings	100%
	Non-woody plants (other than seed) for final users* sale. Excludes shrubs, trees, other woody nursery plants, forest reproductive material	30%
	Shrubs, trees (other than cut Christmas trees), other woody nursery plants including forest reproductive material (other than seed); plants not specified elsewhere in this table	100%
	Indoor plants (including plants for use in aquaria) for final users*	5%
	Indoor plants: "clearly packed and ready for supply to final users, identifiable as being for indoor use or use in  aquaria"

Annex E (2 of 2): Frequencies of plant health import inspections

Annex E: Frequencies of plant health import inspections across GB from 22 July 2022

High-level Category	Sub Category	Frequency of ID and physical checks EU and RoW
Fruits, vegetables (other than leafy vegetables)	Not specified elsewhere in this table (EU)	3%
	Not specified elsewhere in this table (non-EU)	5%
	Momordica L. and Solanaceae Juss. (excluding Solanum tuberosum) (all other non-EU third countries)	50%
	Solanum melongena (Turkey)	30%
Leaves of plants such as herbs, spices and leafy vegetables	Not specified elsewhere in this table (EU)	3%
	Not specified elsewhere in this table (non-EU)	5%
	Ocimum (non-EU)	50%
Cut Flowers	Not specified elsewhere in this table (EU)	3%
	Not specified elsewhere in this table (non-EU)	5%
	Eryngium (non-EU), Solidago (non-EU), Lisianthus (all third countries)	10%
	Chrysanthemum L. and Dendranthema (DC.) Des Moul.  (Colombia and Ecuador)	50%
	Rosa (Canada, USA, Mexico and India)	50%
	Rosa (Colombia, Ecuador)	3%
Branches with foliage parts of conifers other than bark	EU	3%
	Non-EU	5%
Tubers of Solanum tuberosum	Egypt, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain	50%
	All other third countries	3%
	Seed potatoes - Solanum tuberosum	100%
Seeds	Not specified elsewhere in this table	5%
	For trials or testing	10%
	Brassicaceae, Poaceae and Trifolium spp. (Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, Uruguay)	100%
	Capsicum sp., Solanum lycopersicum, Solanum tuberosum (ture seed)	100%
	Triticum, Secale and Triticosecale (Afghanistan, India, Iran, Iraq, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa and the USA)	100%

Annex F: Maps of Border Control Posts

Maps of the current and future Border Control Posts designated for Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls in Great Britain are set out at Annex F.

Map of current and planned Control Points and Border Control Posts in North England

Map of current and planned Control Points and Border Control Posts in Midlands and East England

Map of current and planned Control Points and Border Control Posts in South East England

Map of current and planned Control Points and Border Control Posts in Wales and South West England

Map of current and planned Control Points and Border Control Posts in Scotland

Map of current and planned Control Points and Border Control Posts in Northern Ireland

1. As set out in section 3. The implementation dates for the second and third milestones at ports receiving Irish goods direct for Ireland on the west coast will be confirmed in the final version of the Target Operating model. ↩

2. The legal requirement to submit an entry summary declaration lies with the operator of the active means of transport. For example, the vessel, aircraft, train or road vehicle on or in which the goods are brought into the customs territory. We will refer to this party as the carrier. For RoRo we may also refer to this party as the haulage company for ‘accompanied’ goods and the ferry operator for ‘unaccompanied’ goods. ↩

3. Once the functionality becomes available, Transit Security Accompanying Documents will be required when transiting through Common Transit Countries countries which have opted into using them. For transit through countries who have not opted-in, the outbound transit waiver will remain. ↩

4. As set out in section 3. The implementation dates for the second and third milestones at ports receiving Irish goods direct for Ireland on the west coast will be confirmed in the final version of the Target Operating model. ↩

5. As set out in section 3. The implementation dates for checks at ports receiving Irish goods direct for Ireland on the west coast will be confirmed in the final version of the Target Operating model. ↩

6. As set out in section 3. The implementation dates for the second and third milestones at ports receiving Irish goods direct from Ireland on the west coast will be confirmed in the final version of the Target Operating model. ↩

7. New Plan for Immigration Strategy Statement (July 2022) ↩

8. As set out in section 3. The implementation dates for the second and third milestones at ports receiving Irish goods direct from Ireland on the west coast will be confirmed in the final version of the Target Operating model. ↩