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The final Border Target Operating Model

Ian Simmonds • January 2, 2024

The final Border Target Operating Model sets out a new approach to security controls, and sanitary and phytosanitary controls.

What is the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM)?

The UK government published a draft ‘Border Target Operating Model’ in April 2023, which is applicable to imports from all countries into Great Britain, including the EU. The Border Target Operating Model highlights the UK government’s approach to safety and security controls and sanitary and phytosanitary controls. The safety and security controls relate to all imports, whereas the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls relate to imports of live animals, animal products, plants and plant products.

The Border Target Operating Model outlines the need for effective border controls and the need to support businesses with import processes that are as simple as possible. The new controls are seen as essential in maintaining UK security and biosecurity and will better protect the UK population and environment from invasive pests and diseases, protect public health, deliver food that is safe to eat whilst maintaining security of supply for consumers, and disrupt criminal activity before it can harm UK communities.

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Requirements for UK safety and security declarations when importing products from the EU.

Safety and Security Declarations for EU Imports

By Ian Simmonds • January 28, 2025

Border officials utilise a Safety and Security Declaration (SSD) to assess the possible risk that items crossing their border pose to their jurisdiction. It has nothing to do with taxes and duties. Declarations come in two varieties: exit summary declarations (EXS) and entry summary declarations (ENS).

UK Export Customs Declarations

By Ian Simmonds • January 25, 2024

The UK government advises all exporters to use the new Customs Declaration Service (CDS), which will be mandatory for export declarations as of March 31, 2024.

UK Government Announcement on Food Import Controls

Post-Brexit Food Import Examinations Delayed Four Times

By Ian Simmonds • April 29, 2022

The planned new import measures and physical checks on imported food and fresh produce from the EU have already been delayed by the UK Government three times.