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Border Target Operating Model Compliance Toolkit

Our BTOM Compliance Toolkit is your one-stop shop for answers to your BTOM questions as well as access to practical resources:

Created by our trade and customs experts, these member-exclusive tools will help you to understand and stay compliant with current and incoming changes under the model.
Access the latest BTOM news and enjoy on-demand access to our insightful webinars, video explainers and guides.
Get to grips with the BTOM implementation timeline - the next deadline is coming January 2025!
Discover our convenient one-day SPS and Customs Declaration Service (CDS) training courses. Upskill quickly with the guidance of one of our experts.

What is the UK Border Target Operating Model (BTOM)? Do you know what it is but unsure how it impacts you or your business? Are you aware of your role and responsibilities?

BTOM is the UK government’s strategy and action plan for streamlining the process of importing goods into the UK. It includes safety and security (S&S) controls, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls for imports of plants, plant products, live animals and animal products at the UK border.

But that’s not all, it covers the digitisation of border processes including the ambition of creating a Single Trade Window.

So, what do you need to know and where do you start?

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Last updated: 16 October 2024

Businesses trading into or out of the UK face a period of intense regulatory change in 2024 and 2025, with a wave of new rules coming into force. You must stay ahead of these developments and keep up to date with the new rules.

You will need to know what's changing and when as well as understand how it may affect your processes. Your business will need to grapple with the introduction of not only BTOM, but also the new IT platform for transit users, CDS, and new customs rules from the EU, among other changes.

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Unlock these member exclusive compliance tools

Member exclusive Safety And Security Checklist Greyscale

S&S checklist and glossary

The latest phase of the UK's BTOM is coming into force on 31 January 2025. To help you complete this new procedure, we’ve created a checklist for filling out an S&S declaration.

Member exclusive Ipaffs Greyscale

IPAFFS checklist and flowcharts

Get the tools and information you need to accurately and efficiently complete customs declarations in HMRC’s CDS.

Member exclusive Build Your Defence Greyscale

Compliance best practice - 'establishing robust defences'

Ensure your business remains compliant and operational by building knowledgeable teams and robust defences against the new system's potential pitfalls.

Member exclusive Meat Workflow Greyscale

Workflow example: Meat

Follow our six steps for exporting meat to the USA

Member exclusive Flowers Workflow Greyscale

Workflow example: Flowers/plants

Follow our eight steps for importing flowers from Amsterdam.

Member exclusive Composite Workflow Greyscale

Workflow example: Composite product

Follow our six steps for importing Lasagna from Italy to the UK.

Border Target Operating Model timeline

BTOM includes phased implementations of checks and declarations, risk-based controls, and emphasises the use of technology to enhance the border experience for businesses and authorities alike.

BTOM Timeline Yesterday Oranges And Lemons

31 January 2024

Introduction of health certification on imports of medium risk animal products, plant products and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin (HRNFAO) from the EU.

Full import controls on shipments from island of Ireland including pre-notification and certification.

30 April 2024

Introduction of documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks on medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin (HRNFAO) from the EU.

BTOM Timeline Tomorrow Digital Documentation

31 January 2025

Requirement for Safety and Security declarations for EU imports will come into effect with a reduced dataset.

Documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks from island of Ireland (no earlier than 31 Jan 2025).

Build your own defence

Non-compliance with BTOM can have significant consequences for businesses, impacting your operations, finances, and legal standing. The consequences range from delays in clearance and delivery, increased costs through to fines, penalties and reputational damage.

Building your own defence is the most effective way of ensuring compliance. Here are three ways to build yours:

Front line staff

Ensure front line personnel are trained to uphold BTOM standards rigorously

Keep compliant

Conduct regular audits to verify adherence to safety and security measures.

Swift correction of problems

Swiftly address any deviations to maintain robust border integrity.

Members can look at our exclusive best practice guide in the compliance tools.

Glossary of terms

The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) is a strategic framework introduced by the UK government to manage and streamline border controls post-Brexit. It outlines a new approach to the importation of goods into the UK, focusing on ensuring security, safety, and efficiency while minimising disruption to trade. BTOM aims to balance effective border management with the need to facilitate trade, particularly in a post-EU context where the UK has developed its own set of border policies

Definition: Regulatory standards and protocols aimed at protecting human, animal, and plant life and health. These measures control the importation of goods that could carry pests, diseases, or contaminants.

Application in BTOM: SPS measures are critical in ensuring that imports meet the UK's health and safety standards, especially for food, plants, and animal products. They include checks, documentation, and sometimes treatments or certifications required for entry.

Definition: Procedures and controls implemented to ensure that goods entering a country do not pose a threat to its safety or security. This includes checks for prohibited or restricted items, as well as ensuring that all goods are properly declared.

Application in BTOM: The Safety & Security measures under BTOM are designed to protect the UK from illegal activities such as smuggling, terrorism, and trafficking, while also ensuring compliance with customs regulations. This includes the use of Entry Summary Declarations (ENS)

Definition: The UK's primary platform for managing customs declarations, replacing the older CHIEF system. It handles the processing of import and export declarations and ensures compliance with customs regulations.

Application in BTOM: CDS is integrated into the BTOM framework as the digital system through which businesses submit customs declarations. It supports the Single Trade Window (STW) initiative, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient declaration process.

Definition: Products derived from animals that are not intended for food but are considered high-risk due to their potential to carry pests, diseases, or other hazards.

Application in BTOM: HRNFAO products are subject to stringent controls under BTOM to prevent the introduction of animal diseases or pests into the UK. These products require specific documentation, checks, and sometimes treatments before they are allowed entry.

Definition: A digital platform that allows traders to submit all necessary documentation and data for importing and exporting goods through a single interface. The goal is to simplify the customs process by reducing duplication and improving efficiency.

Application in BTOM: The STW is a key feature of BTOM, enabling a more streamlined process for traders. It connects various government systems, including CDS, to create a centralised point for handling trade documentation, reducing the burden on businesses.

BTOM Insights

Guide to importing goods in 2025

Ensure compliance and get ahead of your competitors with 10 important ongoing trade changes, including changes coming in under the UK BTOM.

Videos & webinar recordings

Get to grips with the documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks on medium-risk animal products, plants, plant products and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin (HRNFAO) from the EU.

Member exclusive Insights Special Interest Group

Food and Drink Special Interest Group

Operating in the food and drink sector? Join this member-exclusive Special Interest Group to hear from and connect with sector experts. This knowledge and networking session will equip you with insights you can start using the same day!

BTOM News

Keep up to date with the latest BTOM news and events that could impact your operations. You’ll find the most current news right here.

15 April, 2025

UK open to ECJ oversight and ‘dynamic alignment’ with EU to secure food checks deal, say officials

01 April, 2025

‘Make a new deal’: Caviar importer Lemberg on impact of post-Brexit food import regulations

Member exclusive customs_officer

12 February, 2025

Customs Corner: Duty extensions and expirations, new German import restrictions and S&S guidance

Latest BTOM insights

Essential BTOM training courses

Learn from our trade and customs experts how to comply with the latest regulations and use the new systems coming in under the BTOM. Our training courses are delivered online and in just one day so you can upskill quickly.

Join as member to enjoy exclusive discounts on our training, advisory services and events.

Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) training course

Get up to speed on how to comply with new SPS rules, including how to apply for export health certificates and phytosanitary certificates.

Advanced guide to completing customs declarations training course

Get the tools and information you need to accurately and efficiently complete customs declarations in the CDS system.

Introduction to CDS elearning course

Get step-by-step guidance on how to complete customs declarations and walk through the process of successfully completing one.

Imports Advisory Practice

Business members save 25%

For specialist support on imports our Imports Advisory Practice gives in-depth guidance on areas such as the Border Target Operating Model, inward and outward processing and simplified customs declaration procedures.

Join as a business member to get discounts on our entire range of services, including in-depth support services and health checks, as well as shorter over-the-phone trade surgeries.

Become a member

Join as a professional or business member today to access all the content in this BTOM toolkit.

Our members benefit from additional practical tools and resources created to help them get to grips and stay compliant with BTOM regulations. Plus, they enjoy a wealth of other benefits, such as:

Member exclusive Chartered Institute Helpline

Business member trade helpline

Get guidance with your basic BTOM queries and enjoy peace of mind knowing we’re only a call away.

Member exclusive Special Interest Group

Special Interest Groups

Unlock industry-specific expertise and insights to optimise your operations and build invaluable connections.

Member exclusive Lunchtime Learning (1)

Lunchtime Learning

Join these bite-sized, practical knowledge sessions to access unmissable tips and guidance from our experts.

Member exclusive Training

Discounted training courses

Upskill quickly with the support of our experts while enjoying exclusive savings – discounts apply to our CDS and SPS courses.

Daily update

Stay ahead in the ever-changing world of international trade with a free subscription to the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade

While we strive to ensure the information on this page is accurate and updated regularly, there may be delays due to internal review and publication processes. We recommend verifying the information for critical updates before making decisions based on the content provided. Please note that while we strive for accuracy, we accept no liability for any errors or omissions.