In response to today’s government announcement that the introduction of Safety and Security Declarations is to be delayed, Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade at business group Logistics UK, said:  

“News that the introduction of the Safety and Security Declarations, originally set to be introduced as part of the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) on 31 October 2024, is to be postponed to 31 January 2025 is something that the logistics industry has been requesting for some time, but the sector  is concerned that the extension does not allow sufficient time for dialogue and action to take place. Our members have been requesting more information about how the new border arrangements will work for some time, but even after the appointment of the new government, engagement with industry has been totally lacking. 

“Our members are the organisations which move all the goods that businesses and consumers rely on every day, and they need time and training to ensure that new processes are embedded and operating smoothly and that the supply chain can deliver what all sectors of the economy need. This extension beyond Christmas gives some breathing space to our members who are focused on ensuring that festive products reach their destinations at the industry’s busiest time of year.    

“However, more time on its own is not a solution. The government needs to provide clarity and the detail the industry needs to plan and adapt to meet these new trading requirements and  for the changes to avoid this new introductory date being moved again –constant changes to deadlines cost the industry financially and erode confidence in both the government and our sector in terms of our ability to deliver for customers – a situation which is not of our making.  More than five months after the introduction of the second phase of the Border Target Operating Model, the government has yet to publish a clear timetable about how and when it will fully implement the fresh produce checks introduced on 31 April.  

“Our members deserve meaningful, two-way dialogue to enable them to keep the UK’s supply chain moving and shop shelves stocked.”