Traders have been reminded that time is running out to provide feedback on the draft Border Target Operating Model.
Published in April this year, the proposed model lays out how the UK government will introduce import controls on goods entering Great Britain from the EU.
This includes “a data-driven approach to managing the border, utilising technology to reduce huge quantities of paperwork firms are currently required to complete when importing”.
The government intends to apply this approach to goods from non-EU countries in the future as well, and says the model will be implemented in three stages between October 2023 and October 2024.
The government has invited businesses and industry stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft plans by 19 May.
IOE&IT survey
The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) has engaged extensively with government on the draft plans and has since participated in several government-led workshops following its publication.
It is running a survey to collect the views of its members and the wider trader community as part of its ongoing engagement.
The survey, which closes on Wednesday 17 May, covers four main areas:
- The new model for Safety and Security controls
- The new model for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls
- Challenges meeting the proposed timeline for introducing the new model
- What further detail is needed to prepare for the implementation of the new model
Have your say
Anna Doherty, a senior customs and trade specialist at the IOE&IT, has urged traders to have their say on the draft border plan.
“The Border Target Operating Model will have significant implications for traders, especially those moving goods subject to SPS controls.
“Traders have a great opportunity to influence the government’s direction on the border plan through the IOE&IT’s survey, so make sure to complete it before Wednesday 17 May.”
Webinars
The IOE&IT has already run one webinar about the contents of the draft plan which you can view the recording of here.
It is running another webinar updating traders about the ‘risk categorisations’ for goods subject to SPS controls on Tuesday 23 May, which you can sign up to for free here.
This webinar will also include updates from IOE&IT experts about what was discussed in the government’s sector-specific workshops about the plan.
