Uncertainty remains as new border control checks come into force
The Government’s new system of import checks finally comes into force today, after five delays and more than three years after we formally left the EU.
However, while proper checks on meat products that could pose a risk of diseases like African swine or foot-and-mouth under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) will be welcomed, huge questions over the extent to which the Government is actually able and prepared to implement the new model.
There also serious concerns over the costs associated with the new checks, and possible impact on food inflation, and disruption to traffic near border control posts, while some businesses say there is still a lack of clarity on how the checks will work.
Under the second stage of the BTOM, food, animal and plant products which present a ‘medium risk’ to biosecurity and health will now undergo identity and physical checks, which test for pests and diseases. These checks involve visual inspections and temperature readings of goods.
Additionally, ‘high risk’ goods will now be checked at the border, where before they were checked at their destination.
The Government said the checks will help identify public health issues such as salmonella, and build on existing safeguarding measures which identify diseases like African Swine Fever.
Also:
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UK industry fears disruption from new post-Brexit border checks
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