The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has called for Government to use the extra time provided by the delay of the Border Target Operating Model to work on cutting costs and providing clarity to businesses.

The post-Brexit Border Target Operating Model has been delayed for a fifth time following the Government’s publication of its final document at the end of August 2023.

The latest report from Government delays controls on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) goods, which were originally supposed to come into effect on 1st October 2021, and details how the controls will come into effect as of 31st January 2024.

Government should address issues “urgently”

In its response to the latest update, the FDF highlighted how multiple delays imposed on businesses have added to the cumulative costs facing its members, who have repeatedly prepared for the legislation only for plans to change. It stressed that the Government should deliver on a number of areas as a matter of urgency.

Among these, it stated that Government should publish its risk categorisation for ‘Rest of the World’ products, and clarify the percentage of checks facing medium risk goods entering the UK. It asked that Government also clarify which products the new Border Control Posts (BCPs) will handle in the future, as this is “essential for businesses to decide the best supply route into the UK.”

The FDF said that Government should also ensure it provides clarity on the Common User Charge at Government-operated BCPs, including the final fees and which products are in scope, and that it should provide a decision on Government authorisation of facilities at Sevington and Bastion Point, which FDF said are crucial for the processing of short straits traffic.

It said there are concerns in parts of the industry that continue to operate at a competitive disadvantage with EU counterparts due to “asymmetric” border controls on food.

A spokesperson for FDF said: “The delay to the Target Operating Model is unfortunate, but necessary, to ensure that the appropriate infrastructure is in place so that supplies of food and drink from the EU aren’t disrupted. The Government should use this time to deliver progress where it can help to simplify and cut the cost of international trade. Failure to deliver against their new timetable will add significant cost to businesses”.