Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Border Target Operating Model, what guidance his Department has issued to veterinary professionals in Europe on the checks needed ahead of approving an export health certificate for a consignment before import to the UK.

Defra is engaging stakeholders across all SPS sectors across the EU and with trading partners around the world to raise awareness of, and aid preparedness for, the Border Target Operating Model (TOM). Information is being shared through a series of live and virtual engagement events and communications detailing actions required. Online guidance is available on GOV.UK. The UK CVO has also written to the European Commission and EU counterparts providing updates on the BTOM implementation. Ultimately it is for the Competent Authority of the exporting country to advise their Official Veterinarians of the checks required, just as we do for Official Vets signing Export Health Certificates for consignments going from the UK.