Import of SPS Goods Via the Short Straits – One Government-run Border Control Post

The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) delivers a risk-based, proportionate, and technologically advanced approach to import health controls. It recognises as paramount, the imperative to protect the UK’s biosecurity from harmful and potentially devastating pests and diseases.

In line with the implementation of the BTOM, the UK Government has carefully reviewed the provision of government-run BCP facilities in Kent to ensure that we protect the nation’s biosecurity, reduce import burdens for trade, whilst also managing operating costs. We are now writing to notify you of the UK Government’s intention that SPS checks on goods arriving through the shorts straits should be undertaken at Sevington Inland Border Control Post (BCP).

Sevington will provide, on one modern and purpose-built site, checks on the whole range of goods and live animals that arrive through both the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel. It is also ideally located to support the smooth flow of goods out of both points of entry without disrupting traffic flows out of the Port of Dover.

The UK Government continues to work with the Kent authorities and all relevant stakeholders to ensure everything is in place for the operational requirements of the BTOM for the short straits.

Source: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs