Two main organisations within the transport and logistics sectors, Logistics UK and the Road Haulage Association (UK) have welcomes the announcement of the new Border Target Operating Model, but more discussion and negotiation is needed.
Commenting on the Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy at Logistics UK said: “Will three months be sufficient time for government to provide the necessary technical detail and guidance that businesses will need to change processes and adapt to the changes outlined by the new trading arrangements? Logistics UK is studying this final model carefully to see if it addresses the concerns expressed by our members and contains the level of operational detail and assurances they, and their EU suppliers, need to make the changes required in that time frame. With so much to adapt to, and such a short time frame available, it is imperative that logistics businesses are given all the detail they need in the initial plan.”
“Government needs to provide certainty for business on all the details of the new Border Operating Model, and a workable timeline which will allow sufficient planning and implementation time for those responsible for the UK’s supply chain. After so much time, and so many delays, logistics businesses are losing confidence in the government’s ability to provide workable solutions to enable the new trading arrangements to be implemented. Our members need all the detail for how border arrangements are to work, and time to implement the changes – if not, the lack of certainty puts the UK’s supply chain at risk.”
The British Road Haulage Association (RHA) welcomes the Government’s ambition to create the most technologically advanced border in the world, along with any measures that make it quicker and easier for UK hauliers to pass through the border while maintaining border security.
Its statement reads: “Given the height of these ambitions, and the increased security steps necessary outside of the European Union, we also welcome the longer timeframes for introduction announced. This will help ensure everyone involved in moving goods between countries – border posts, government agencies, importers and exporters – has adequate time to adjust to the new systems. It is vital Government now works with ports of entry both at home and overseas to put the infrastructure in place to manage the new border system. We will continue to digest the full details of the extensive document released today and keep our members informed of any issues they need to be aware of.”
To explain, the Border Target Operating Model confirms implementation of controls through three major milestones:
31 January 2024 – The introduction of health certification on imports of medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food (and feed) of non-animal origin from the EU
30 April 2024 – 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. At this point Imports of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods from the rest of the world will begin to benefit from the new risk based model
31 October 2024 – Safety and Security declarations for EU imports will come into force from 31 October 2024. Alongside this, we will introduce a reduced dataset for imports