United Kingdom introduces food import controls at Borders after Brexit

The United Kingdom has finally begun implementing sanitary and phytosanitary controls related to its trade with the European Union (EU) as part of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) starting on February 1. These controls were initially slated to be in place earlier but have faced multiple delays. The BTOM's primary objective is to safeguard the UK from potential biosecurity threats while simplifying health controls on imports, streamlining commercial processes, and improving the management of additional bureaucratic costs through the use of new technologies.

Key milestones in the BTOM's implementation include health certification requirements for medium-risk animal products, plants, and plant products starting this February. On April 30, physical and documentation controls for medium-risk animal products, including meat, as well as plants and plant products, are set to begin. The final stage, on October 31, will see the obligation to submit safety and security declarations for all EU imports come into effect. The government contends that these changes will reduce administrative burdens and costs associated with imports.

However, importers have expressed concerns about the new system, with some facing additional costs and the need to consider hiring import agents to handle bureaucratic demands. The delays in implementing these controls have been a source of frustration for businesses and farmers alike. The National Farmers Union (NFU) stressed the importance of border controls to safeguard the country's biosecurity and food security, emphasizing the disparities between the UK and EU in terms of trade controls over the past three years.