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Border Control Points on-target for July 2022

17 Mar 2022 | Technical News

In their latest plant health newsletter, Defra have advised Border Control Posts (BCP) and Control Points (CP) are set to take over from the Place of Destination (PoD) scheme as per scheduled, when the PoD scheme draws to a close on 30 June 2022.

Although BCPs have long-since been used to manage import inspections of goods from non-EU countries, the wide-scale use of BCPs as a primary component of the UK’s biosecurity regime is new and has been introduced as a result of Great Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union. Greater reliance on BCPs has necessitated investment of £705 million in border infrastructure, staff and technology in Great Britain (GB), to ensure border systems operate effectively and maintain efficient border flow from 1 July 2022.

In contrast to BCPs which are situated at the border, Control Points are inland inspection facilities where SPS checks of plants and plant products can take place, which operate under customs supervision.

CPs have the same function as a BCP, providing the first line of control in maintaining UK biosecurity, but, subject to approval by Defra, may offer an alternative, in-house solution for businesses who regularly import material. 

A CP needs to provide the same biosecurity safeguards as a BCP and enable movements away from the border under customs control. Consequently, they must be customs authorised as a temporary storage facility and meet the same minimum requirements as a BCP in terms of facilities and resource to carry out inspections.   

Further reading:

Plant Health Portal: Border Control Posts and Control Points

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