DEFRA Calls For Evidence - Make sure Our Sector Is Heard

The UK Government Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is gathering evidence on how the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) is operating in practice. As part of this process, Defra is seeking to understand stakeholders’ on‑the‑ground experiences — including the processes and checks followed at the border, how these work in practice, and any operational challenges encountered.

To support this work, Defra has commissioned Ecorys, an independent research organisation, to collect insights from key industry representatives. Industry participation is considered essential to ensure that the evidence reflects real operational conditions.

Research interviews are scheduled to take place in February 2026 via Microsoft Teams. If you would like to participate email BTOMresearch@ecorys.com

Ecorys is asking potential participants to confirm:

1. Whether they are willing to take part in an interview
2. Their availability for a 60‑minute Microsoft Teams discussion in February
3. If they are unable to participate, whether an alternative contact or colleague can be recommended

All interviews will be audio‑recorded solely to ensure accurate reporting. Recordings will be stored securely and permanently deleted at the end of the project. A Privacy Notice is available for further details.

A summary of interview findings will be reported to Defra anonymously, with insights grouped by stakeholder type (e.g., importers, hauliers, trade associations) to enable meaningful analysis for each sector. The final report will be published on Defra’s Science Search. These insights will help Defra understand how current BTOM arrangements are working on the ground and will contribute to the evidence base informing the UK’s future Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) policy development.

Responses confirming participation—or suggesting an alternative contact—are requested by 20 February.

Participation will help to:

• Ensure BTOM implementation is informed by real‑world experience
• Strengthen Defra’s evidence base as SPS discussions progress
• Highlight operational impacts and potential areas for improvement

Interviews will explore:

• Perspectives on BTOM’s biosecurity aims and their implications
• Views on the new border checks introduced under BTOM
• Operational challenges or improvements observed since implementation
• How business models have adapted to meet BTOM requirements
• Whether supply chain changes (e.g., groupage practices) are expected to continue in the context of evolving SPS discussions with the EU

Defra and Ecorys are particularly keen to hear from:

• Importers, Exporters, Hauliers and Logistics Providers
• Customs Agents and Port Health Authorities, including Border Control Posts and organisations involved in POAO checks
• Trade Associations and Professional Bodies

Thank you for considering this request. The insights provided will play an important role in helping Defra understand how BTOM is operating to date and in shaping future evidence needs.