Vietnam Sanitary and Phytosanitary Notification Authority and Enquiry Point

In August 2023, the United Kingdom (UK) notified the WTO SPS Committee of the publication of the final version of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) [G/SPS/N/GBR/30/Add.2] that set out the new import related elements of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) regime for Great Britain (GB). The measures contained in the BTOM apply to imports of live animals, germinal products, animal products, plants and plant products and high-risk food of non-animal origin into Great Britain and set out the timeline for implementation from January 2024 onwards.

The United Kingdom and the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have decided to pause implementation of further import controls on imports of EU and EFTA live animals, and non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods arriving from Ireland and Northern Ireland. BTOM controls that are already in place will continue until further notice, and the UK's biosecurity and public health must continue to be protected.

Under the pause the following pre-existing practices will remain:

• For live animal imports, the United Kingdom will maintain the existing system of controls on Rest of World imports through Border Control Posts (BCPs), and will continue to undertake remote documentary checks, and risk-based ID and physical checks on European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) country imports at destination;

• For non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods arriving from Ireland and Northern Ireland, this pause means that, where required, pre-notification and certification will continue, but documentary, identity and physical inspections at the border will not be introduced before an SPS agreement is implemented;

• Current controls on goods transiting through Great Britain will remain in place.

The United Kingdom recognise the need for certainty and are committed to keeping trading partners and their businesses informed. Should we amend our position we will ensure we provide timely notification to the WTO ahead of any changes.

This addendum concerns: Change in proposed date of adoption, publication or date of entry into force