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

To ask His Majesty's Government why post-Brexit import checks on food and fresh produce from the EU have been delayed for the fifth time.

The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) has been developed following extensive engagement with the border industry and businesses across the UK. It incorporates feedback from the Draft BTOM which was published in April 2023. In response to this feedback, the Government has agreed a small delay of 3 months to the introduction of remaining sanitary and phytosanitary controls, which will now be introduced in January 2024. This has the benefit of giving stakeholders additional requested time to prepare for the model.

The Government remains committed to delivering the most effective border, and the BTOM is key to achieving this.