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Our BTOM Compliance Toolkit is your one-stop shop for answers to your BTOM questions as well as access to practical resources:
What is the UK Border Target Operating Model (BTOM)? Do you know what it is but unsure how it impacts you or your business? Are you aware of your role and responsibilities?
BTOM is the UK government’s strategy and action plan for streamlining the process of importing goods into the UK. It includes safety and security (S&S) controls, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls for imports of plants, plant products, live animals and animal products at the UK border.
But that’s not all, it covers the digitisation of border processes including the ambition of creating a Single Trade Window.
So, what do you need to know and where do you start?
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Businesses trading into or out of the UK face a period of intense regulatory change in 2024 and 2025, with a wave of new rules coming into force. You must stay ahead of these developments and keep up to date with the new rules.
You will need to know what's changing and when as well as understand how it may affect your processes. Your business will need to grapple with the introduction of not only BTOM, but also the new IT platform for transit users, CDS, and new customs rules from the EU, among other changes.
BTOM includes phased implementations of checks and declarations, risk-based controls, and emphasises the use of technology to enhance the border experience for businesses and authorities alike.
Introduction of health certification on imports of medium risk animal products, plant products and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin (HRNFAO) from the EU.
Full import controls on shipments from island of Ireland including pre-notification and certification.
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 (HRNFAO) from the EU.
Requirement for Safety and Security declarations for EU imports will come into effect with a reduced dataset.
Documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks from island of Ireland (no earlier than 31 Oct 2024).
Non-compliance with BTOM can have significant consequences for businesses, impacting your operations, finances, and legal standing. The consequences range from delays in clearance and delivery, increased costs through to fines, penalties and reputational damage.
Building your own defence is the most effective way of ensuring compliance. Here are three ways to build yours:
Ensure front line personnel are trained to uphold BTOM standards rigorously
Conduct regular audits to verify adherence to safety and security measures.
Swiftly address any deviations to maintain robust border integrity.
Members can look at our exclusive best practice guide below in the compliance tools.
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The latest phase of the UK's BTOM is coming into force on 31 October. To help you complete this new procedure, we’ve created a checklist for filling out an S&S declaration.
Get the tools and information you need to accurately and efficiently complete customs declarations in HMRC’s CDS.
Get step-by-step guidance on how to complete customs declarations and walk through the process of successfully completing one.
Follow our six steps for exporting meat to the USA
Follow our eight steps for importing flowers from Amsterdam.
Follow our six steps for importing Lasagna from Italy to the UK.
The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) is a strategic framework introduced by the UK government to manage and streamline border controls post-Brexit. It outlines a new approach to the importation of goods into the UK, focusing on ensuring security, safety, and efficiency while minimising disruption to trade. BTOM aims to balance effective border management with the need to facilitate trade, particularly in a post-EU context where the UK has developed its own set of border policies
Definition: Regulatory standards and protocols aimed at protecting human, animal, and plant life and health. These measures control the importation of goods that could carry pests, diseases, or contaminants.
Application in BTOM: SPS measures are critical in ensuring that imports meet the UK's health and safety standards, especially for food, plants, and animal products. They include checks, documentation, and sometimes treatments or certifications required for entry.
Definition: Procedures and controls implemented to ensure that goods entering a country do not pose a threat to its safety or security. This includes checks for prohibited or restricted items, as well as ensuring that all goods are properly declared.
Application in BTOM: The Safety & Security measures under BTOM are designed to protect the UK from illegal activities such as smuggling, terrorism, and trafficking, while also ensuring compliance with customs regulations. This includes the use of Entry Summary Declarations (ENS)
Definition: The UK's primary platform for managing customs declarations, replacing the older CHIEF system. It handles the processing of import and export declarations and ensures compliance with customs regulations.
Application in BTOM: CDS is integrated into the BTOM framework as the digital system through which businesses submit customs declarations. It supports the Single Trade Window (STW) initiative, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient declaration process.
Definition: Products derived from animals that are not intended for food but are considered high-risk due to their potential to carry pests, diseases, or other hazards.
Application in BTOM: HRNFAO products are subject to stringent controls under BTOM to prevent the introduction of animal diseases or pests into the UK. These products require specific documentation, checks, and sometimes treatments before they are allowed entry.
Definition: A digital platform that allows traders to submit all necessary documentation and data for importing and exporting goods through a single interface. The goal is to simplify the customs process by reducing duplication and improving efficiency.
Application in BTOM: The STW is a key feature of BTOM, enabling a more streamlined process for traders. It connects various government systems, including CDS, to create a centralised point for handling trade documentation, reducing the burden on businesses.
Download our free BTOM whitepaper today. This helpful summary of the Border Target Operating Model will quickly get you up to speed with the changes, helping you identify your next steps.
Get to grips with the 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 (HRNFAO) from the EU.
Operating in the food and drink sector? Join this member-exclusive Special Interest Group to hear from and connect with sector experts. This knowledge and networking session will equip you with insights you can start using the same day!
Keep up to date with the latest BTOM news and events that could impact your operations. You’ll find the most current news right here.
Learn from our trade and customs experts how to comply with the latest regulations and use the new systems coming in under the BTOM. Our training courses are delivered online and in just one day so you can upskill quickly.
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Get up to speed on how to comply with new SPS rules, including how to apply for export health certificates and phytosanitary certificates.
Get the tools and information you need to accurately and efficiently complete customs declarations in the CDS system.
Get step-by-step guidance on how to complete customs declarations and walk through the process of successfully completing one.
Join as a professional or business member today to access all the content in this BTOM toolkit.
Our members benefit from additional practical tools and resources created to help them get to grips and stay compliant with BTOM regulations. Plus, they enjoy a wealth of other benefits, such as:
Get guidance with your basic BTOM queries and enjoy peace of mind knowing we’re only a call away.
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