Business, Freight News, Logistics

Government publishes plans for new import regime

[ August 29, 2023   //   Chris Lewis ]

The Government published it Border Target Operating Model setting out the new, post-Brexit regime of import controls on 29 August.

While introducing new systems and technology, implementation of key features has been put back, to give business more time to prepare.

It introduces a new regime for security and biosecurity controls, including bringing in controls on imports from the EU for the first time and “using Brexit freedoms to simplify import controls”.

The government says the controls will defend against plant and animal diseases from abroad, as well as protecting against illegal imports, including firearms and drugs.

The Model makes smarter use of data and technology to ensure a more efficient trading experience and, by taking an intelligent, risk-based approach, removes duplication and reduces data and paperwork. This will save businesses around £520m per year compared to the original import model that would have been introduced in 2022, it says.

Following engagement with the border industry and businesses across the UK, the Government agreed to a delay of three months for the introduction of remaining sanitary and phytosanitary controls, as well as full customs controls for non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods, which will now be introduced from January 2024.

Further controls have a revised timetable including checks on medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food (and feed) of non-animal origin from the EU, which will be implemented in April 2024, and Safety and Security declarations for EU imports, in October 2024.

The Government has also worked with industry to test new technologies in a border setting, including distributed ledgers for sharing data, smart seals and GPS trackers.

In addition to the Border Target Operating Model, the Single Trade Window will makes smarter use of data and technology, creating a single gateway through which businesses can supply trade data to the government, removing duplication.

Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, Baroness Neville-Rolfe, said: “Our Border Target Operating Model will ensure more efficient trading for businesses, protect against biosecurity threats and further crack down on illegal imports such as firearms and drugs.

“By making maximum use of data and new technologies, our innovative yet risk-based approach is key to delivering a world-class border system. Once fully implemented, these important post-Brexit measures will, I believe, bring considerable benefits to the UK economy and to UK trade, and the Government stands ready to support businesses through this transition.”

Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, added: “The Border Target Operating Model will deliver a new trade regime that provides a risk-based, proportionate and technologically advanced approach to border controls, built upon the foundations of safeguarding UK biosecurity. The threat from imported animal and plant diseases, such as African Swine Fever & Xylella fastidiosa, continues to grow. Our new regime of border controls will protect the UK and our trading partners from the economic, health and environmental harms caused by the outbreak of these diseases, whilst balancing the needs of vitally important trade.”

Chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, Nigel Jenney, said: “Government has acted upon our concerns and will now implement a unique border approach for the benefit of consumers and industry. This focussed risk-based approach will reinforce UK biosecurity and promote self-regulation to minimise supply chain disruption.

“Let’s be clear, challenges remain. However, this is a bold step forward to achieve our ambition to become a world-leading destination of choice promoting imports and exports of fantastic fresh produce, and flowers and plants.”

Logistics UK questioned whether the government has left enough time to introduce new trade arrangements for imports into Great Britain.

While implementation of some milestones for the Border Target Operating Model have been pushed back to January 2024 to give businesses more time to prepare, Logistics UK’s head of trade and devolved policy, Nichola Mallon, asked: “Will three months be sufficient time for government to provide the necessary technical detail and guidance that businesses will need to change processes and adapt to the changes outlined by the new trading arrangements?

“Logistics UK is studying this final model carefully to see if it addresses the concerns expressed by our members and contains the level of operational detail and assurances they, and their EU suppliers, need to make the changes required in that time frame. With so much to adapt to, and such a short time frame available, it is imperative that logistics businesses are given all the detail they need in the initial plan.”

She added: ““Government needs to provide certainty for business on all the details of the new Border Operating Model, and a workable timeline which will allow sufficient planning and implementation time for those responsible for the UK’s supply chain. After so much time, and so many delays, logistics businesses are losing confidence in the government’s ability to provide workable solutions to enable the new trading arrangements to be implemented. Our members need all the detail for how border arrangements are to work, and time to implement the changes – if not, the lack of certainty puts the UK’s supply chain at risk.”

Tags: Logistics UK