3 Acknowledged

Varying inspection rates at different ports enable gaming of the biosecurity system.

Conclusion
Varying inspection rates at different ports of entry has created a system that can be gamed by those seeking to dodge costs or import illegal goods and may even introduce “temptation” for legitimate importers who witness their consignments auto-clear important processes. (Conclusion, Paragraph 10) 25
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the principle of investigating and addressing non-compliance, referencing existing enforcement actions and a commitment to improve data and develop strategies to tackle non-compliance trends, but it does not propose a specific review to address varying inspection rates.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The primary method of intentional non-compliance in relation to SPS imports which is currently known was addressed by the Committee in the report Britain’s illegal meat crisis, published on 8 September 2025. The response to that report provides a comprehensive account of Defra’s actions in seeking to counter this non-compliance. Assessing non-compliance and addressing it is handled across a variety of departments, and the response to that report provides information regarding Defra’s actions in seeking to counter this non-compliance, noting the involvement of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and their activities, which is not repeated here. Where non-compliance is identified on an individual consignment level, whether intentional or otherwise, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), local/port health authorities, and the FSA’s law enforcement capability within the National Food Crime Unit, possess a variety of regulatory enforcement powers including, but not limited to; suspension and/or revocation of licenses, destruction or re-exportation of goods, improvement notices and prosecution. A range of intelligence units exist across Government to collate information on intentional non-compliance where it is suspected. A number of Defra organisations utilise the investigation and intelligence management database Clue to record and interrogate intelligence in work areas such as border control, illegal imports, endemic & exotic disease, and animal welfare to conduct analysis and produce products which are then shared with stakeholders, including enforcement partners, enabling them to target and investigate cases of major non-compliances, including disease threats, welfare cases and organised crime gangs. Defra is committed to continuing to improve our data picture to develop further strategic Border oversight functions that will improve our ability to detect developing trends within non-compliance, and to design strategies to tackle these as they are identified. As referenced above, additional resource has been allocated to improve imports management information as a consequence of these recommendations. Although the Government does not propose to conduct a review as proposed by the committee, the Government agrees with the principle of this recommendation in that where there is evidence identifying non-compliance steps should be taken to investigate and address these issues. Information and intelligence gathering forms a key part of regulatory enforcement actions against non-compliant importers, regardless of intention.
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.7 yr
Report published 15 Sep 2025