The Border Target Operating Model: Draft for Feedback

The draft Border Target Operating Model proposes a new approach to security controls (applying to all imports), and sanitary and phytosanitary controls (applying to imports of live animals, animal products, plants and plants products) at the border. It sets out how controls will be simplified, digitised and, over time, delivered through the UK’s new Single Trade Window. The document has been developed through engagement with stakeholders, collaboration across the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments, and engagement with officials from the devolved administration in Northern Ireland.

We invite stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposals before a final version is published in June.

This page will be updated with an HTML version of the above document in due course.

Border Target Operating Model Engagement

The Border Target Operating Model has been produced and developed in collaboration with stakeholders. We want to continue engaging with stakeholders and testing the model in draft form.

The online survey provides a way for stakeholders to contribute feedback across all aspects of the model. You can access the survey here.

There will also be opportunities for direct discussions to compliment the feedback gathered by the survey.

The Cabinet Office will run a programme of engagement with stakeholders from all nations of the UK and international partners. This will commence on 5th April and last for a six week period. It will consist of sector specific workshops, international events as well as wider stakeholder groups and bespoke sessions, covering all aspects of the Border Target Operating Model.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will host sector specific sessions and seminars for those who import or export: food, live animals, animal products, plants and/or plants products to or from the United Kingdom.

A list of all engagement activities can be found below. Please take a look through and find the event that will be most useful for you. All of the events will be virtual (unlimited capacity) aside from the one in-person event (limited capacity and therefore ticketed) run by the Cabinet Office.

If you are an existing member of border-related forums run by HMRC, Defra or FSA, they will be in touch directly with other opportunities to provide feedback on the draft Border Target Operating Model.

If you move goods from the ROI into GB, we will be running events for ports, hauliers, traders etc, details of which will be available here shortly.

Cabinet Office Engagement Activities

• All Stakeholder Call (Wednesday 5th April 2023, 15:00-15:30 hours, join here
  • Purpose - Launches the engagement period and provides a high level overview of the Border Target Operating Model, while promoting engagement activities that will take place during the engagement period
  • Target audience - Border industry
• Safety & Security (S&S) Regime Teach In - Online (Wednesday 12th April, 11am-12pm, sign up here)
  • Purpose - This is a general teach-in on the basic principles of the S&S regime. The session is for those interested in learning about the S&S process when moving goods into and out of the UK
  • Target audience - The new S&S requirements will mostly affect those importing from the EU who do not already export from GB or import from the Rest of the World, and the carrier (or operator of the active means of transport) who is required to submit the S&S declaration
• Cabinet Office In Person Event - London (Monday 17th April, 10am-4pm)
  • Purpose - Allow a diverse range of stakeholders to test and challenge the model with opportunity to have breakout sessions on specifics areas
  • Target audience - A wide range of industry groups and stakeholders
  • There are restricted numbers to this event. To express an interest, please contact: border.enquiries@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. Registration will close at midday, Wednesday 12th April
• Cabinet Office Seaports and Airports Workshop - Online (Tuesday 18th April, 2-4pm, sign up here)
  • Purpose - Test the draft model and capture critical insights from the air/maritime community
  • Target audience - Seaports/Airports and those organisations that represent the ports
• Cabinet Office Carriers Workshop - Online (Monday 24th April, 2-4pm, sign up here)
  • Purpose - Test the draft model and capture critical insight specific to the maritime and aviation sectors
  • Target audience - OrganisationsCarriers representing- theairlines, maritimeferry and aviationrail sectorsoperators
• Cabinet Office Hauliers, Logistics & Customs Intermediaries  Workshop - Online (Wednesday 26th April, 2-4pm, sign up here)
  • Purpose - To test the draft model and capture critical insight and feedback from the haulage and logistics sector
  • Target audience - CarriersHauliers - airlines, ferry and railthe operatorslogistics sector
• Cabinet Office Final Workshop, Stakeholder Reflections - Online (Wednesday 17th May, 2-4pm, sign up here)
  • Purpose - To provide reflections on the themes and issues raised during the engagement period
  • Target audience - Wide range of industry groups and stakeholders

Defra Engagement Activities

Lord Benyon will be hosting a Stakeholder Call on the SPS Regime on 19th April, 9.15-10am. This call is open to all and will provide a basic understanding of the SPS model to stakeholders who are less familiar with the detail and core concepts.

If you import or export: food, live animals, animal products, plants and/or plants products to or from the United Kingdom, Defra is also running a series of workshops and sector specific sessions. These will help you understand what the Border Target Operating Model will mean for your business, and give you a further opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals before they are finalised. They will include more information on risk-based controls, groupage models and trusted trader schemes.

You can sign up to the Lord Benyon stakeholder call and find a full list of the Defra-led sector specific and online events on Eventbrite.

For any further queries or questions you have about the draft Border Target Operating Model, please contact border.enquiries@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. We will respond to your questions via our borders bulletin. By emailing us you are consenting to be part of our bulletin email distribution list.