Imports into the UK and the new border control mechanism – BTOM

Trade Bites

For three years after Britain left the single market, the UK has effectively operated an 'open door' policy on imports from the EU. Five times the government announced the introduction of border controls on imports from the EU – and five times they were postponed for various operational and logistical reasons. But now it’s finally happening. So how will the new Border Target Operating Model, or BTOM, actually work? Anna Doherty (Institute of Exports and International Trade) and William Bain (British Chambers of Commerce) discuss the ins and outs with Chris Horseman (Borderlex): Is the new regime of border checks on higher-risk agri-food products actually compatible with the high-volume, roll-on roll-off trade that flows through Dover and the Channel Tunnel? Will the new regime lead to delays and increased costs? Or should traders, who have now had more than three years to prepare, be ready for the new reality?