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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department plans to take to enforce the 24-hour notification process for medium-risk goods under the Border Target Operating Model.

We will look to implement the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) in a way that recognises that new requirements are being placed on traders. As a result, we will introduce the BTOM in a way that will focus on improving trader compliance rather than enforcement. However, enforcement will be implemented where there is evidence of deliberate avoidance, fraud or biosecurity concerns.

From 30 April, our approach to compliance and enforcement will be carefully calibrated to balance an expectation that businesses will do their best to comply, with an understanding that there will be a period of adjustment to the new controls and the importance of minimising disruption to the flow of goods. We are working with the Animal and Plant Health Agency and Port Health Authorities to reach a clear and consistent understanding of how this calibrated approach will be implemented.

We will continue to pursue an approach of supporting businesses towards full compliance via guidance and warnings where possible and only escalating enforcement where necessary. For medium-risk animal products, all consignments will receive a documentary check from 30 April, and all medium-risk plant consignments that undergo a Border Control Post inspection will have a document check.