On 29 August 2023, the UK Government published the final Target Operating Model (TOM) that introduces a new approach to phytosanitary (SPS) controls applying to imports of plants and plants products at the border.

Defra and the Scottish and Welsh Governments will implement the new SPS regime in accordance with the timetable detailed in the TOM, with the first stage, coming into force by 31 January 2024. As part of this, we are proposing to temporarily classify fruit and vegetables from the EU, Switzerland and Liechtenstein as low-risk goods, pending ongoing risk assessments, and will not require pre-notification for these commodities. We are proposing to introduce this exemption from pre-notification from 17th November.

We would be grateful for your views on this proposal. Please email your responses to plantpestsrisks@defra.gov.uk by 13th September – and thank you in advance for your thoughts and insights.