In London, on November 28, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) provided counsel to US exporters about the United Kingdom’s post-Brexit Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) for import controls. Commencing on January 31, 2024, the UK will implement import controls for European Union goods and, from April 30, for imports from the rest of the world.
The BTOM delineates security controls for various imported products, including sanitary and phytosanitary controls for animal products, live animals, plants, and plant products. Developed collaboratively with the Scottish and Welsh governments, along with Northern Ireland officials, the model encompasses a range of controls.
Effective April 30, pet food and items for pet food manufacturing fall under the BTOM’s medium-risk category. Canned pet food, processed pet foods, and dog chews will adhere to existing import processes following the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme.
The UK categorizes pet food and related items under the animal by-products (ABPs) import category, which includes animal proteins, blood products, rendered fats, gelatin, collagen, hides, skins, horns, trophies, milk products, phosphate products, wool, hair, feathers, and other ABPs like fish oil and egg products used in animal feed.
According to the British government, certain medium-risk ABP products may transition to a low-risk status “once a new channeling procedure, specifically for low-risk goods, from non-EU trading partners has been developed.”
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