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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help stakeholders prepare for the introduction of the third stage of the Border Target Operating Model on 31 January 2025.

The Government announced on 7 October that Safety and Security declarations will be required for EU imports from 31 January 2025. Readiness is assessed as being on track. A plan is in place that includes a comprehensive list of readiness activity, with engagement well underway with trade.

On 13 September, Government announced an extension to the easement of import checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables imported from the EU from January 2025 to 1 July 2025. Such products will not be subject to import checks at the GB border or charged the associated fees until this date.

This easement is a temporary measure to ensure that new ministers have a full and thorough opportunity to review the planned implementation of further border controls, and an opportunity to listen to businesses across import supply chains.