The UK delays the implementation of the new border target operating model (TOM) by three months. The first new rules will come into force on January 31, 2024 instead of October 31, 2023. This regulation focuses on strengthening inbound inspection of veterinary and phytosanitary medicines.
Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom (UK) has introduced a phased border target operating model (TOM). The final version of the TOM was published yesterday; the TOM includes additional tariff controls on imports of goods. Sanitary and phytosanitary controls apply to imports of live animals, animal products, plants and products of plant origin. As the Safety and Security Declaration applies to all import processes, all exporters from the European Union will be affected by these measures in 2024.
The first set of new rules, effective from January 31, 2024, will require a sanitary and phytosanitary certificate for imports of medium-risk animal and plant products from the EU. This will affect European companies exporting agricultural and food products to the UK.
A list based on the HS code will apply for animal products at risk level, while a list based on product description will apply for plant products. If the risk classification is changed, companies will be given a three-month implementation period, or a shorter period if the risk is very high. A phytosanitary or veterinary certificate is mandatory for products with a medium risk level. Importers in the UK must be notified through the UK IPAFFS system at least one working day before these goods arrive. However, it should be noted that the current concept does not affect the rules already in place for endangered species (CITES), timber (FLEGT) and organic products.
From April 30, 2024, document checks and risk-based identification and physical checks will be introduced for medium-risk animal products, plants and plant-derived products and higher-risk non-animal food and feed from the EU. Border Checkpoints (BCPs) will charge a fee for these checks; not all checks will be carried out by all BCPs, as BCPs will be specific to certain products.
In addition, all other EU exporters will also need to comply with the new customs rules: After October 31, 2024, all exporters will be obliged to comply with safety and security declarations. Before goods are transported to the UK, a ‘Summary Declaration of Entry’ must be submitted containing information on the safety and security of the goods. The number of mandatory data sets will be reduced.
‘Given the lack of clarity on the practical implementation of the new customs regulations and the short transition period, it is positive that the UK Government has delayed the rules by three months. This will allow exporters to be better prepared.
‘This spring we conducted a comprehensive review of the TOM concept and provided feedback to UK Customs, emphasizing to them that they should adopt a more lenient approach towards EU exporters when it comes to the detention and return of shipments. This request seems to have been accepted. We hope that our feedback will result in more enforceable regulations.”
Companies trading with the UK need to be aware of the new import regulations and the required certificates and be prepared accordingly. It is essential that employees are informed about the new procedures, certification software systems are operational and logistics service providers take into account the classification of goods. Evofenedex’s Brexit checklist provides useful information and practical tips for exporting to the UK.
