The Embassy of Great Britain in Sofia updated the BCCI on the final Border Objectives Operational Model (BTOM) the UK Government promulgated on 29 August 2023, setting out the future approach to imports of goods from EU and non-EU states and introducing enhanced safety and security controls and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import controls. The goal in developing the new model has been to design a modern border with simplified, digitalized and upgraded SPS controls at the borders of Great Britain, without decreasing the level of security and consumer protection.
The BTOM uses data and technology to facilitate business trading by limiting administrative burdens and maintaining costs low.
Following extensive engagement with the border industry and businesses across the UK and listening to the concerns of industry over realization of the project alongside the need of biosecurity risks management, the UK Government adapted the published initial draft of the BTOM to allow more time for businesses and their supply chains to prepare for the new changes.
BTOM will be phased in following three main stages:
31 October 2023 - Health certificates and phytosanitary certificates will be required for imports of ‘medium risk’ animal products, plants, and plant products as well as ‘high risk’ food and feeds of non-animal origin from the EU.
31 January 2024 - Documentary and physical checks will be made on ‘medium risk’ animal products, plants, and plant products as well as ‘high risk’ food and feeds of non-animal origin from the EU. The new risk-based model shall also be introduced to health and phytosanitary products coming into GB from other states.
30 April 2024 - Documentary and risk-based identity checks and physical checks will be introduced to medium-risk animal products, plants, plant products and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin from the EU.
31 October 2024 - Safety and security declarations will have to be made for EU and non-EU imports starting 31 October 2024. A reduced set of data and one-stop model of management will also be introduced. Duplication will be eliminated where possible by collecting pre-arrival information – such as pre-filed customs declarations
The British Embassy affirms that all international obligations and commitments of the United Kingdom shall be adhered to under this new model, including the implementation of the Windsor Framework.
More details on the BTOM document and risk categories can be found here: The-Border-Target-Operating-Model-August-2023
Here is information on the sector-specific monthly online training of businesses under the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) program which is aimed at introducing the new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import controls (certification and border checks) of the new BTOM.