The introduction of border checks on food products coming from the EU has been delayed.

The Border Target Operating Model, delineates the UK's upcoming approach to safety and security controls on all imports, with a particular emphasis on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures for goods like live animals, plants, and animal products.

Introduced as a result of Brexit, it was due to be implemented in October, but is now delayed until January 2024.

Key parts of the model include what the UK Government describes as “a new global risk-based approach” where live animals, germinal products, products of animal origin, animal by-products, plants and plant products will be categorised as high, medium or low risk, with controls appropriately weighted against the risks posed both by the commodity and the country of origin.

READ MORE: New border checks on pork imports

It will also have simplified and digitised health certificates. Westminster published simplified export health certificates in spring 2023 for animal products says and will deliver digitised export health certificates in 2024 leading to more automated use of data.

Pilot schemes with industry will be deployed, where authorised importers of plants, plant products and some animal products may be eligible for facilitations to make importing easier.

According to the revised timetable, starting from January 31, 2024, imports of medium-risk animal products, plants, plant products, and high-risk non-animal origin food (and feed) from the EU will require health certification.

By April 30, 2024, these items will undergo documentary, identity, and physical checks, while imports of sanitary and phytosanitary goods from other parts of the world will adopt a new risk-based approach.

READ MORE: Scottish farmers call on Westminster to tighten EU border controls

From October 31, 2024, safety and security declarations for EU imports will become mandatory, along with a more streamlined dataset for imports.

Responding to the announcement, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: ““While the Scottish Government remains disappointed with the UK Government’s handling of this matter, I am today notifying the Scottish Parliament that we intend to agree to the Border Target Operating Model.

“I have always recognised the importance of bringing in checks and controls on imported goods to protect Scotland’s biosecurity. Our decision to adopt this model will protect consumers and deliver more certainty for Scottish businesses.

READ MORE: Balancing Green Regulations with Imported Products

“It has been frustrating that the UK Government’s recent policy U-turns have caused further delay to this long process, however I trust that publication of the model today will give stakeholders both the ability to plan ahead and significant reassurance that we are acting to protect Scotland’s biosecurity.”

For goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland, arrangements are set out under the recently agreed Windsor Framework. The Windsor Framework delivers a new system of green and red lanes at Northern Ireland ports for movements from Great Britain, in order to protect the UK’s internal market, whilst also providing reassurances on goods destined for the EU.

At the same time, Northern Ireland businesses and citizens will continue to be able to purchase goods from the EU with no new barriers. None of the additional checks or controls set out in this Border Target Operating Model will apply to imports into Northern Ireland from the EU, providing Northern Ireland traders with full access to the EU market.