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Safety and Security decs delayed once more

[ October 7, 2024   //   ]

The government announced on 7 October that it was postponing introduction of Safety and Security Declarations, originally scheduled for 31 October as part of the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) until 31 January 2025.

Head of Trade at Logistics UK, Nichola Mallon, said that while the industry has been requesting this for some time, it was concerned that the extension does not allow sufficient time for dialogue and action to take place.

She explained: “Our members have been requesting more information about how the new border arrangements will work for some time, but even after the appointment of the new government, engagement with industry has been totally lacking.”

Businesses need time and training to ensure that new processes are embedded and operating smoothly . She added that while the extension beyond Christmas gives some breathing space at the industry’s busiest time of year, “more time on its own is not a solution. The government needs to provide clarity and the detail the industry needs to plan and adapt to meet these new trading requirements and  for the changes to avoid this new introductory date being moved again.

Constant changes to deadlines cost the industry financially and erode confidence in the ability to deliver for customers – a situation which is not of their making. 

More than five months after the introduction of the second phase of the Border Target Operating Model, the government has yet to publish a clear timetable about how and when it will fully implement the fresh produce checks introduced in April.  

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