New post-Brexit border controls introduced by the government have now come into effect for animals, plants and plant products imported to Great Britain from the EU.

The controls – known as the Border Target Operating Model – apply to products that are deemed to present a ‘medium risk’ to biosecurity. From 31 January 2024, health certificates and phytosanitary certificates will be required for these products.

For the first time, controls are also being applied on goods from Ireland but, as a result of the Windsor Framework, goods from Northern Ireland will have full and unfettered access, regardless of whether they move indirectly via Ireland.

Later this year, two further sets of controls will be introduced.

A full summary of the Border Target Operating Model can be found on the Government’s website.