In response to this Report, Defra should confirm it is taking steps to provide local authorities with real-time access to IPAFFS to support enforcement and traceability of consignments. Until the UK gains full access to EU systems, IPAFFS should be maintained, updated as needed, and evaluated for potential integration with EU databases to ensure continuity and efficiency during any transitional period. To achieve this, a comprehensive interoperability assessment of existing systems should be conducted across relevant national and local authorities, followed by the establishment of technical standards and data-sharing protocols aligned with EU and local systems. If deemed feasible by the assessments, within the next three months, pilot projects should be launched to test cross-border digital integration with selected local authorities and EU counterparts, helping to identify functionality gaps and inform future improvements. A publicly available roadmap should then be published, setting out clear milestones, timelines, and accountability mechanisms to guide progress toward full digital interoperability. (Recommendation, Paragraph 24) Cost, delays and administrative burden