Synopsis
These regulations amend the Official Controls (Extension of Transitional Periods) Regulations 2021.
The amending regulations delay full import checks on qualifying plants, plant products and certain other objects arriving at designated West Cost Ports, where these goods arose from the EU, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. This delay is to operate until 31 January 2027.
Summary
The Official Controls (Extension of Transitional Periods) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the Official Controls (Extension of Transitional Periods) Regulations 2021 on 20 May 2025.
The assimilated Official Controls Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and the Official Controls (Plant Health) (Frequency of Checks) Regulations 2022 will be amended on 1 July 2025.
This legislation applies to Great Britain only.
Border Target Operating Model (BTOM)
The UK Government’s BTOM is introducing sanitary and phytosanitary checks on imports into Great Britain as part of a phased process. The BTOM classifies products into high, medium and low risk categories. The BTOM is intended to deliver prenotification, certification and checks for goods subject to Official Controls.
Transition Staging Period (TSP)
The TSP delays the introduction of certain checks, documents and requirements on certain products from specified origins. The TSP authorises imports of plants, plant products and other objects (including machinery and vehicles previously used for agriculture or forestry) from the EU, Liechtenstein and Switzerland via a designated Great British West Coast Port without full import checks. The TSP was due to end on 1 July 2025.
The Official Controls (Extension of Transitional Periods) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 extend the TSP until 31 January 2027. This change was made as facilities and resources are not yet adequate to introduce full checks under the BTOM.
Physical Checks on Plants, Plant Products and Other Products requiring a Phytosanitary Certificate
The Official Controls (Extension of Transitional Periods) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 also temporarily extend current rules on the frequency of physical checks by GB Plant Health Services for plants, plant products and other products entering Great Britain that require a phytosanitary certificate.
This is delivered by an amendment to the Official Controls (Plant Health) (Frequency of Checks) Regulations 2022, extending these rules until 31 January 2027.
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