The UK Government has today (29 August) published its Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), setting out new controls to protect the UK against security and biosecurity threats and create a world-class border system for trade in goods.
The full text of the BTOM can be found here: The Border Target Operating Model
The BTOM has been developed following engagement with the border industry and businesses across the UK. It incorporates feedback from the Draft Border Target Operating Model which was published in April 2023. Government would like to thank BIFA Members who provided feedback as part of that engagement.
The Government has agreed to a delay of 3 months to 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. This has the benefit of giving stakeholders additional requested time to prepare for the model.
Key HMRC-related content in the BTOM includes:
• Customs controls on Irish goods entering Great Britain will be introduced from 31 January 2024. In accordance with the Windsor Framework, qualifying Northern Ireland goods will continue to have unfettered access to the UK market, whether those goods are moving directly from Northern Ireland to Great Britain or moving to Great Britain from Northern Ireland via Ireland.
• Safety and Security declarations for imports into Great Britain from the EU or from other territories where the current waiver applies will be introduced from 31 October 2024.
• Further detail is provided on the UK Single Trade Window which will underpin the new approach to controls. When fully operational, this will provide a single digital gateway for users to provide the data needed to trade and apply for licences and authorisations for trusted trader schemes.
