Update | SPS Changes as part of BTOM

04/23/2024

Farmer cutting grass in fieldFarmer cutting grass in field
Farmer cutting grass in fieldFarmer cutting grass in field
Update | SPS Changes as part of BTOM

From 30.04.24 changes in Sanitary and Phytosanitary Controls (SPS) will be introduced in the UK as part of Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).

 

Despite the information spread on social media around April, 19th that safety checks for EU imports will be postponed, DEFRA confirmed, that all the announced changes will commence from April 30th as planned.

 

What's new?

 

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.

Defra has undertaken the risk modelling necessary to categorise commodities. The categorisation is based on the inherent risk (high, medium or low) that the commodity poses to animal and plant health, and food safety, alongside any specific risk from the country and region of origin.  Documentary Checks will be introduced on:

Medium-risk

  • animal products
  • plants and plant products

and

High-risk

  • food and feed of non-animal origin from the EU

 

Key actions to take into consideration for business

 

Businesses have to identify their goods in terms of risk categorisations which have been published on GOV.UK for animal products and on the Plant Health Portal for plants and plant products. A composite product decision tree is also available on GOV.UK.

EU product of animal origin (POAO) risk categories

Rest of world (ROW) POAO risk categories

P+PP risk categories

Composite decision tree

 

What's new?

 

Existing inspections of high-risk plants and plant products from the EU will move from destination to Border Control Posts (BCP)

Checks will not be carried out Place of Destination (PoDs) but at BCPs.

 

Key actions to take into consideration for business

 

Goods must enter through a point of entry that has the relevant BCP.

Use the attached link to identify location categories of animals and goods and specifications to identify:

Identify location categories of animals and goods

 

What's new?

 

Beginning to simplify imports from non-EU countries - this will include the removal of health certification and routine checks on low risk animal products, plants, plant products from non-EU countries as well as reduction in physical and identity check levels on medium-risk animal products from non-EU countries

 

Key actions to take into consideration for business

 

Medium Risk goods

Medium risk animal products will be subject to reduced levels of intervention at the border with identity and physical check levels being lower than now for imports from non-EU countries

Low Risk goods

if importing low risk goods from the EU, Switzerland or Liechtenstein to GB customers will be continued to be exempt from plant health controls on these goods.

Technical questions and answers about Sanitary and Phytosanitary Controls (SPS) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

What's new?

 

The common user charge will be introduced on 30 April 2024 for commercial movements of animal products, plants and plant products through the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel. The charge applies to:

  • imports entering Great Britain
  • transits entering and leaving Great Britain

 

Key actions to take into consideration for business

 

On calculation and billing please read:

Common User Charge Rates and Eligibility

ABOUT ALS GROUP

The ALS Group operates worldwide as a customs services provider and offers its customers comprehensive and compliant customs solutions. The industry leader achieves this by relying on a team of more than 700 professionals in 50 locations. The ALS Group is committed to providing exceptional service and support to its customers worldwide