New customs rules for goods bound to for Great Britain post-Brexit

On April 5, 2023, the British government announced the introduction of the Border Target Operating Model (TOM) for importing goods into Great Britain.

From October 31, 2023, this new approach will be phased in, and will include customs procedures and security and safety checks for goods from all countries. In this article, we look at the Border Target Operating Model and the implications of these new rules for businesses.

Border Target Operating Model (TOM): New Customs Rules for goods bound for Great Britain post-Brexit

The new import controls will be phased in gradually, from November 2023 to November 2024, with the creation of the UK Single Trade Window: a one-stop platform for filing all declarations relating to imports into and exports from the UK. In addition, the creation of a “trusted trader status” authorization will enable trusted traders to benefit from further simplifications.

October 31, 2023 → Sanitary and phytosanitary controls (SPS): one of the main measures of this new approach concerns the introduction of sanitary certification on imports of products*: medium-risk animals, high-risk plants, plant products and foodstuffs, as well as non-animal feedstuffs from the EU.

December 2023 → Introduction of permanent derogations from the obligation to submit safety and security declarations for certain categories of low-risk imports.

The implementation of documentary controls, as well as physical and identity checks, will concern medium-risk animal products, plants, plant products, and high-risk food and feed from the European Union. In addition, imports of sanitary and phytosanitary goods from the rest of the world will begin to benefit from the TOM.

The implementation of safety and security declarations for imports within the EU has been accompanied by the adoption of a streamlined data set for imports and the use of the Single Window System (STW). This strategic approach eliminates redundancy between preliminary arrival data sets and pre-submitted customs declarations.

By simplifying and digitizing controls, the UK government is seeking to reduce the administrative burden on operators, while maintaining border security and keeping in line with international standards. In addition, these controls aim to ensure the protection of the environment, the delivery of safe food to consumers, and to proscribe criminal activity linked to imports.

It is essential that the companies concerned speak to all the players in their supply chain, as well as their operators, in order to examine the adjustments needed to comply with the new UK requirements such as: pre-notification of SPS products, export health certificates, etc. Operators transporting goods between Ireland and other EU countries by road through Great Britain (the UK land bridge) will also be affected, and need to familiarize themselves with the new UK government requirements. As the TOM implementation process is taking place in several stages, it is strongly recommended that all carriers of goods to the UK refer regularly to the UK government’s official TOM website. This will enable them to keep up to date with new UK import requirements.

SEKO BANSARD can assist customers in this transition and support them in the new UK import processes, thanks to its expertise, local presence and veterinary partners who facilitate the export of animal products to the UK.

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