The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has replied to a recent report by a leading parliamentary committee which argued that Defra must thoroughly review the implementation of the Border Trade Operating Model (BTOM).
The EFRA Committee report had argued that there is a critical need for greater transparency and accuracy in the modelling and implementation of SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) controls.
In its response to the Committee, Defra has accepted many of the 13 recommendations covering risk, compliance and data, digital systems, costs, delays and administrative burden, and planning and delivery of future commercial biosecurity arrangements.
The Defra reply makes particular mention of the Sevington Inland Border Control Post which is situated 22 miles from Dover.
The Committee had expressed concerns about lorries that were directed to Sevington but failed to attend at the BSP. It also called on Defra to assess the potential merits of creating a legal mechanism to ensure lorries transporting animal and plant products are commercially sealed.
Defra replied: “The Government therefore partially agrees with this recommendation and has provided the process for validating re-exported goods and a summary of the position on commercial sealing. Further information on nonattendance at Sevington BCP will be provided by the end of January 2026.”
