BTOM (the Border Target Operating Model) is the British border controls model that has phased in sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls on imports into Great Britain of products of animal origin, plants and food. Goods are assigned to risk categories (low, medium, high); some require a health certificate, prior notification in the IPAFFS system and a possible check at a Border Control Post (BCP).
The Polish-language version of this article is the reference one. This is an informational translation.
Who it applies to
Above all SPS loads: products of animal origin (meat, dairy), plants and plant products and higher-risk food. The scope of requirements depends on the risk category of the goods. Many consignments require prior notification in IPAFFS and, for medium and high risk, a health certificate issued in the country of dispatch. We run temperature-controlled food transport in line with these requirements, which we also cover alongside export documents to the UK.
What it changes in practice
Importing SPS goods needs preparation in advance: establishing the risk category, notification in IPAFFS, a full set of documents and planning any BCP check so it does not delay delivery. Customs formalities (declaration, number, safety declaration) are handled within customs clearance; SPS is an extra layer on top of standard clearance. We do not guess the requirements for a specific product — we confirm them at the source before dispatch.
Sources
Moving food or plants to Great Britain? Describe the consignment in the contact form and we will set the SPS requirements, IPAFFS and the clearance plan.
