Border Target Operating Model introduced this week

Members are reminded the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) will be introduced in phases from this week.

The BTOM is significant for the UK, since it represents a new process for the import of plants and plant products, and represents a divergence from the rules adopted by the United Kingdom during its membership of the European Union.

One of the key aims associated with BTOM is the protection of the UK from imported plant and animal diseases. BTOM will introduce a new risk-based approach to checks on imported goods, which will be targeted and proportionate to the risks posed. 

Under this new system, regulated plants and plant products from the EU have been categorised into high, medium, and low-risk categories. The higher the risk category, the more biosecurity assurances will be required.  This means some plants and goods will be prohibited from entering the United Kingdom entirely, whereas others will undergo inspection frequencies deemed to be proportionate to the risk posed. Inspection frequencies will change according to the risk. 

Under BTOM, all plants for planting, certain seeds and timber are categorised as high-risk goods. 

The most significant change introduced as part of the BTOM occurs from 30 April 2024 onwards, when checks of high-risk plants and plant products will take place at a border control post or control point. The ‘place of destination’ scheme, which is the current system of carrying out phytosanitary checks on imported material, will cease.   

Whilst border control posts already exist in the UK, the extent to which they will be used for inspections of plant material is a new undertaking and relies on the construction of new facilities and development of new systems.

Whilst trials, training sessions and assurances have been given in advance of border control posts and control points going live from 30 April 2024, there is apprehension amongst stakeholders including nurseries and wholesalers whose business model relies on the swift, reliable importation of plants and plant materials.

Further reading

Defra webpage: What does the Border Target Operating Model mean for plants?