UK Import Controls: The Border Target Operating Model (TOM)
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The UK is introducing new UK customs and SPS requirements on all goods imported into Britain from the EU, including Ireland, as part of its Border Target Operating Model . The first phase of controls was introduced in January 2024 with future phases planned for later in 2024.
These new rules impact all Irish traders exporting goods to Great Britain or via the UK landbridge to the rest of Europe and are in addition to the existing formalities that apply when exporting goods from the EU.
The first phase of the new UK import controls which have been in place since 31 January 2024 introduced 3 important requirements that apply to Irish traders:
Irish traders should also start to get ready for future UK milestones .
From 30 April 2024 , the UK will introduce documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks on certain goods entering the UK from the EU – but not from the island of Ireland. These changes will, however, impact traders using the UK landbridge.
From 31 October 2024 , the UK will require Safety and Security declarations, and plans on introducing documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks for all goods, including goods Ireland – although the date of the entry into force of these physical checks in ports on the west coast of Great Britain has yet to be confirmed.
Since the UK’s new import controls came into effect on 31 January 2024, when you are exporting goods to Great Britain or via the landbridge to the rest of Europe, you will need to have completed all of the following UK import requirements in addition to the existing formalities that apply when exporting goods from the EU:
Drivers should not travel to any port in Ireland without a GMR as boarding will be refused and there is no capacity at ports to wait while the formalities are completed.
There are 8 things you need to do to comply with the first phase of UK import controls introduced on 31 January 2024:
1. Familiarise yourself with the new UK Customs and SPS requirements. Read the Border Target Operating Model and find more information and supports on the UK websites listed in the Key Links and Resources section.
2. Engage with everyone in your supply chain including your customers/importers in Great Britain and your transport and logistics providers to make sure they are aware of the new rules and what they have to do to comply with them.
3. Make sure your GB importer or agent is registered with the UK Customs Declarations System - this can take time so needs to be done in advance of exporting goods.
4. For agri-food and animal exports, check the UK’s rules and risk categories to find out if you will need an Export Health Certificate – you can find more information at these websites:
5. For agri-food and animal exports, make sure your GB importer or agent is registered on IPAFFS and that the IPAFFS reference number is included in the customs import declaration.
6. If you are exporting live animals or products of animal origin, you must be registered as an approved exporter on the EU TRACES System . This registration is necessary to allow IPAFSS pre-notification to be completed by your GB importer or agent and for the provision of export health certification to GB. The following TRACES training videos provide further information on the process:
7. Engage with your local competent authority supervisory team responsible for your food business – whether that be the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine , Health Service Executive , Sea Fisheries Protection Agency or local authority veterinary service to confirm whether export certification to GB is required and to agree how this certification can be provided to your business.
8. Talk to your haulier, transport or logistics agent to make sure they are aware of the new rules and responsibilities.
For more information on the new UK rules for the agri-food sector, watch these previous webinars from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The new UK requirements do not apply to goods moving between Ireland and Northern Ireland, North-South on the island of Ireland.
Qualifying Northern Ireland goods will continue to have unfettered access to Great Britain. If moving Qualifying Northern Ireland Goods to Great Britain via a port in Ireland, access to the GVMS system will be required in order to generate a GMR.
Further information on moving qualifying Northern Ireland goods to GB through Ireland is available in the UK Government guidance on moving qualifying goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK .
The new UK requirements will apply to goods from Ireland whether transported directly from Ireland to Great Britain or indirectly via Northern Ireland to Great Britain.
You should also start to get ready for future UK milestones.
From 30 April 2024 , traders using the UK landbridge may be impacted by 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 entering the UK from the EU - these will not apply to goods moving from Ireland to GB
From 31 October 2024 , the UK Target Operating Model provides for 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, including from the island of Ireland. However, the date for the start of physical checks in ports on the west coast of Great Britain has yet to be confirmed.
Additionally, the requirement for Safety and Security declarations for imports into Great Britain from the EU, including Ireland, will come into force from 31 October 2024.
Customs-related queries for the UK can be directed to UK HM Revenue & Customs online chat here or HMRC Customs & International Trade Helpline on +44 (0) 300 322 9434.
Queries relating to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements can be directed to the UK Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs or the DEFRA helpline on +44 (0) 3459 33 55 77. The UK IPAFFS webpage provides contact details for technical help with import notification.
UK Cabinet Office Border Bulletin with list of UK helplines (30 January 2024)
Any queries in relation to Export Health Certification in Ireland can be directed to BrexitCall@agriculture.gov.ie.