Nurseries and wholesalers issue warning regarding implementation of BTOM

Nurseries and wholesalers are warning specifiers and contractors of the potential for disruption to the availability and cost of imported planting material from 30th April 2024, because of changes to the current importing regime.

Whilst most members of the industry have likely heard about the introduction of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), few will be aware of the growing concern amongst suppliers responsible for importing plants regarding the costs of importation and the impact the new regime may have on the availability of plants.

From 30 April 2024, plants and plant products must pass through a Border Control Post (BCP) or Control Point (CP) where identity and physical checks will be undertaken. Control Points will perform a similar role to Border Control Posts but at a different geographic location; Control Points are inland inspection facilities whereas Border Control Posts are located at point of entry to the UK. Both are customs-authorised premises.

Members who currently use the Place of Destination (PoD) system, which permits site or premises-based physical inspections, are warned this option will cease from 30th April 2024 as all imported plants and plant materials must pass through a CP or BCP. 

The significance of the changes to the landscape industry concerns the costs and logistical implications of the new regime.

Importers have previously voiced concerns about the viability of inspecting even a fraction of planting materials imported without causing significant delays to the delivery dates of materials. Despite assurances from Defra that sufficient facilities and inspectors have been appointed, importers remain concerned.

Another concern is fees – how much it will cost importers to use BCP and CP facilities, and how these costs will be determined i.e. per consignment, commodity code or commodity line.

Whilst Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) inspector fees have been published, fees associated with the use of Border Control Post facilities (for example, consignments being stored and/or unloaded by third parties) remain unpublished. 

Aside from a government-run site in Sevington, Kent, all BCP facilities are commercially operated. Although Defra ran a consultation during 2023 to identify a cost to recover operating costs (referred to as Common User Charge or CUC) for government-run sites, only an estimated cost (in the region of £20 - £43) has been announced.

Defra has no control over the fees charged by third party BCPs, and despite repeated calls for transparency, these costs have yet to be released.

Continued lack of detail has led to businesses whose business activities rely on the importation of plants and plant materials for trade or public resale to issue a warning regarding both availability and cost of plants. Some businesses are warning specifiers and contractors should be prepared for cost increases from April 2024, together with shortages of supplies.

Despite repeated calls for clarity concerning pricing and regime changes, this has failed to materialise. As such, wholesalers and retailers remain unsure of what measures they are likely to take to mitigate the increased cost of supplies, as well as maintaining supplies of stock.

Further reading

Defra familiarisation webinar: BTOM