BTOM – Proposal to delay EU fruit and veg implementation until 1st July 25
1 Aug 2024
We are delighted to confirm the New Government is proposing to extend the transitional staging period (TSP) from 31 January 25 until 1 July 25.
This easement is applicable to fruit & vegetables imported from the EU only. All other products including plants and flowers remain in the BTOM border controls already implemented.
Click here to view EU Border Strategy Summary
We would appreciate feedback from members including:
- Do you agree with the proposal? Please highlight any areas of concern which require resolution prior to the revised implementation date.
- Traders already importing under the revised border strategy BTOM (Flowers & plants and non-EU fruit & Veg). Please advise any issues which continue to occur and the impact on your business.
We have requested clarification regarding any further easement on Horticultural marketing standards and Organics
Please send your feedback to infor@freshproduce.org.uk by 5pm on Friday 2nd August.
DEFRA Stakeholder Statement released 30th July 24:
The Transitional Staging Period (TSP) was introduced as part of a phased approach to import controls on goods from certain countries including EU member states. The TSP is a period during which the requirements for certain official documents, and for the performance of official controls in relation to some categories of animals, plants and other goods imported into Great Britain (‘GB’) have been temporarily eased, to allow for the phased introduction of new import controls under the Border Target Operating Model(BTOM). Following the publication of the BTOM on 29 August 2023, the January and April 2024 milestones of the new risk-based approach to Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls for goods imported into Great Britain have been delivered.
Under current legislation, the TSP was due to end on 31 January 2025, and we, along with the Devolved Governments, are therefore proposing to amend the TSP end date, from 31 January 2025 to 1 July 2025. This is necessary to prevent the remaining controls taking effect by default to allow the introduction of new controls in a phased way which works for traders while protecting biosecurity. This end date change does not prevent further amendments in future instruments. We would be grateful for any further views on the proposed new date.
Nigel Jenney - FPC CEO Comments:
“Whilst we welcome the ongoing easement proposed by the New Government. We remain deeply concerned the inherited border strategy is fundamentally unfit to meet the needs of a highly perishable, just in time sector. Without urgent change this approach knowingly imposes huge financial burden on our sector and ultimately hard-pressed consumers.
FPC remains committed to ensuring the UK border Strategy maintains our biosecurity, in a cost-efficient manner, promoting international trade. However radical and urgent change is required to ensure the sector can feed and flower the nation, utilising the very best of domestic and international sources.
It’s simply ridiculous after huge self-funded investment Industry owned Control Points remain under utilised due to officials’ failure to offer a 24/7 service at key import locations. Ultimately forcing industry to use Sevington BCP at considerable and avoidable additional cost and delay.”
Our initial response would be to agree the ongoing easement until such time Authorised Operator Status (AOS) has been widely adopted and CPs are serviced by officials at the time trade and our customers require.