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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the UK's state of readiness for the implementation of (1) safety and security declarations for imports, (2) import checks on medium-risk fruits and vegetables, and (3) checks on EU goods arriving from the Republic of Ireland to west coast ports, in relation to the Border Target Operating Model.

1. 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.
2. Border Control Posts (BCPs) are designed to handle high volumes of imported Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) goods and carry out reliable checks which minimise friction on traffic flow. Most BCPs can process six or more vehicles at the same time with ample space to remove or inspect products.
   1. Checks at BCPs are handled by trained staff working to standard operating procedures, ensuring inspections are undertaken safely and efficiently. Inspectors are rigorously trained and are equipped to ensure SPS goods are handled safely and with care.
   2. GB plant health services have significantly increased the number of plant health inspection staff to service the demand for import checks in England and Wales of EU plants and plant products. Inspector levels are being monitored to ensure these meet demand and deliver checks in line with set Service Level Agreements and ensure minimal trade disruption.
3. Responsibility for biosecurity and BCP infrastructure is a devolved matter. However, Defra is working closely with West Coast ports, the Welsh and Scottish Governments to ensure that BCPs across GB can implement the Border Target Operating Model. We will ensure that importers, ports and the authorities have time to prepare for these controls to be turned on.