Today marks the next phase in the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) coming into force, with documentary and physical checks on some medium and high-risk products starting from today for goods being imported from the EU, and existing inspections for some high risk products from the EU moving from destination to specific Border Controls Posts.
Commenting on the next phase of BTOM, Marco Forgione, Director General at The Institute of Export and International Trade, said:
“The proposals set out in the BTOM will establish the UK as world leading in the way in which our border and trade processes operate. The transformation to a digital first, risk-based approach to border management is much needed and will help address some of the commercial challenges that businesses have faced post-Brexit. The changes being introduced will meet the commitments set out in the Brexit agreement, world trade rules and will help make the UK’s border the most effective and efficient in the world. Turning customs and border operation into business enablers rather than blockers.
“The message from businesses has been clear, the way in which BTOM has been introduced has caused rather than solved problems. Five delays have certainly frustrated many businesses which have repeatedly started to prepare only for their preparations to have to be shelved.
“Even at this late stage there has been confused messages about how the new processes and checks will be carried out. Businesses on both sides of the Channel have been exasperated that the costs to traders of the new processes were only announced at the start of April and it was only at the end of last week the Government confirmed Sevington as the UK Government’s border control post.
“Coupled with the new Common User Charge (CUC) fees that are being introduced, PHA and APHA fees and any potential commercial BCP charges, it may well be a challenging few months for anyone looking to import goods into the UK from the EU.
“It is vital that businesses affected by these changes are aware of what is happening and how they need to prepare, but the detailed information that is needed to clarify processes has been lacking.
“With important details of BTOM being confirmed last-minute before checks are due to start, businesses have been confused about how to prepare. Confusion leads to price pressures, which can cause further issues with shrinkflation and the availability of goods. This uncertainty is especially damaging to the UK’s highly integrated food supply chain, where minutes and hours really matter.
“This creates an unmanageable scenario that impacts how businesses trade and, crucially, what is available on shelves with costs ultimately passed on to the consumer.”
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