BTOM SPS charges explained

28 May 2024

There are two standard charges associated with imports of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) goods and the BTOM: a Border Control Post (BCP) charge by point of entry and a documentary and inspection charge.

1. The BCP charge is the cost levied by commercial ports and airports for use of the BCP at the nominated Point of Entry (PoE). For the planned government-run BCP at Sevington, the associated BCP charge is the Common User Charge (CUC). For more details on the commercial charges set by your nominated point of entry please look on the relevant website or contact them direct. To note, some ports and airports will not charge a BCP charge unless the consignment is called for an inspection.

1. The SPS documentary and inspection charge is the cost associated for any checks that your goods may undergo – these consist of documentary, identity and physical inspections. These charges are levied by the Port Health Authority (PHA) in England and Wales and the Local Authority in Scotland, at your nominated point of entry for animal products. For plants and plant products, these charges are payable to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in England and Wales and to the Scottish Government (SASA) in Scotland.

• Documentary and inspection charges for plants and plant products imported to England and Wales can be found here.

• Documentary and inspection charges for plants and plant products imported to Scotland can be found here.

• Documentary and inspection charges for animal products imported to GB can be found by contacting the PHA/LA at your point of entry. The details can be found here.