The expected delay to the post-Brexit SPS checks, which have already been postponed on several occasions, was announced via a press release published today. The UK Government said it had made decision “having listened to the views of industry”.
The introduction of health certification on imports of medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food (and feed) of non-animal origin from the EU will now begin on 31st January 2024 instead of 31st October 2023.
The other SPS checks will then be introduced as follows:
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- 30 April 2024 – The introduction of documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks on medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food (and feed) of non-animal origin from the EU. At this point Imports of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods from the rest of the world will begin to benefit from the new risk based model
- 31 October 2024 – Safety and Security declarations for EU imports will come into force from 31 October 2024. Alongside this, we will introduce a reduced dataset for imports
At the same time the SPS checks delay was officially confirmed, the UK Government also unveiled the final version of its Border Target Operating Model.
The full 140-page document can be downloaded on the UK Government website.
According to the Cabinet Office, the model “introduces a new global regime for security and biosecurity controls, including bringing in controls on imports from the EU for the first time and using Brexit freedoms to simplify import controls on goods from across the globe.”
“The Border Target Operating Model makes smarter use of data and technology to ensure a more efficient trading experience for businesses. By taking an intelligent, risk-based approach, it removes duplication and reduces the volume of data and paperwork required from businesses when importing goods. This will save businesses around £520m per year compared to the original import model that would have been introduced in 2022,” adds the Cabinet Office.
A prevalent theme to the UK Government’s unveiling of the Border Target Operating Model has been frequent references to the use of new tech.
The UK Government says it has worked with industry to test distributed ledgers for sharing data, smart seals and GPS trackers. It is said that pilot tests found these technologies could simplify processes across the supply chain, as well as reduce costs and administrative burdens.
Commenting on the news, Baroness Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, said:
“Our Border Target Operating Model will ensure more efficient trading for businesses, protect against biosecurity threats and further crack down on illegal imports such as firearms and drugs. By making maximum use of data and new technologies, our innovative yet risk-based approach is key to delivering a world-class border system. Once fully implemented, these important post-Brexit measures will, I believe, bring considerable benefits to the UK economy and to UK trade, and the Government stands ready to support businesses through this transition.”
In the UK Government’s press release, Nigel Jenney, CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium, added:
“FPC welcomes the publication of the final Border Target Operating Model. It’s clear, Government has acted upon our concerns and will now implement a unique border approach for the benefit of consumers and industry. This focussed risk-based approach will reinforce UK biosecurity and promote self-regulation to minimise supply chain disruption. Let’s be clear, challenges remain. However, this is a bold step forward to achieve our ambition to become a world-leading destination of choice promoting imports and exports of fantastic fresh produce, and flowers and plants.”
Analysts are already poring through the detail in the official Border Target Operating Model document, with detailed reactions expected in the coming days.
Among those to already respond to the news are Dr Anna Jerzewska, a highly-respected customs and trade advisor, and Shane Brennan, current chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Dr Anna Jerzewska referred to how the frequent delays to post-Brexit border checks by the UK Government are influencing the plans and behaviour of many businesses.
“Look, it’s not that we can’t see why there are delays. It’s just if you’re a business that’s been constantly in between get-ready and stand-down modes (wasting precious time and resources), you may be a bit reluctant to start preparing for yet another first milestone. This has a knock-on effect on other areas. Like the recently announced delay of CDS migration or NCTS5 migration, the future introduction of the Single Trade Window etc. Leading to a general ambivalence in the private sector to Gov deadlines and calls to get ready. One of the common issues raised by various UKG Departments is the difficulty in getting businesses engaged and the lack of pro-activity. And that’s a fair point. But equally, this ain’t helping.”
Jerzewska continued:
“As a consultant working closely with UK businesses, I really don’t know what to say when I’m being asked “how likely is it that this time it’s for real” or “why should we start preparing”. Part of the implementation effort with any policy or change is getting businesses on board. And yes, following the previous version of TOM there was an effort to consult the industry on the effect of the proposed changes. But most of the problems raised by the industry will not be resolved by the time the new deadline arrives. At least not by themselves. So the question remains, if/how can UKG and the private sector work together in the next few months to make this work? Cause, spoiler alert, this will not be done by January 2024, nor by October 2024.”
Meanwhile, in an early-August write-up for the Grocer shared on his X profile today, Shane Brennan said the delay to the SPS checks was the “right decision”.
Brennan added that the checks would “obviously” lead to higher prices and stressed that “awareness levels [regarding the checks] among EU businesses remain incredibly poor”.
The Cold Chain Federation CEO then went on to say the following about the SPS checks delay:
“The Latest delay is not a signal of a rethink of UK policy on post-Brexit food trade. It’s simply a firebreak for an administration that desperately trying to extinguish an inflation crisis it is largely powerless to combat. Not Brexit rethought, just Brexit delayed.”
As government finally confirms the three month delay to the definitely not moveable deadline for Brexit food import controls, I’ll reshare my thoughts from @TheGrocer essay earlier this month 👇 pic.twitter.com/zfD0dg4C2J
— Shane Brennan (@ColdChainShane) August 29, 2023
Photo: Smalljim, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons