4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards a resilient border strategy
Select Committee
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
HC 1279
15 September 2025
Recommendations
3 results
6
Acknowledged
Require Defra to provide risk assessment models and underlying data for SPS inspection rates.
Recommendation
Defra should, in response to this Report, provide us with the risk-based assessment models and underlying data used to determine SPS inspection rates. Publicly available models will enhance transparency, allow for independent scrutiny, and help rebuild stakeholder confidence in the …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees that transparency is beneficial and outlines its risk-based regime for SPS controls, describing the factors used in risk categorisation, but does not commit to providing the specific assessment models and underlying data as requested.
18
Acknowledged
Develop future border cost recovery mechanisms collaboratively with industry to rebuild trust.
Recommendation
Border control posts recover costs whilst operating as the least-cost, high-efficiency solution for border checks. Industry trust in the Common User Charge has been undermined by a perceived lack of transparency in cost recovery processes and concerns over the widespread …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges industry concerns regarding the Common User Charge, explaining its cost recovery model and transparent publication of operating costs, and notes that an annual review of the charge is ongoing.
22
Acknowledged
Future border policy development requires structured, transparent stakeholder consultation from the outset.
Recommendation
Future border policy development must include structured, transparent, and iterative consultation with stakeholders from the outset to ensure policies are workable and informed by the sector. (Conclusion, Paragraph 40)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, agreeing on the vitality of communicating timelines for decision-making and delivery during the BTOM to UK-EU SPS Agreement transition, and will communicate with industry after negotiations begin, but does not detail a process for structured, transparent, and iterative consultation.
Conclusions (5) Observations and findings — click to expand
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
While assessments of the effectiveness of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) in safeguarding UK biosecurity vary, and regardless of whether full or partial implementation would be sufficient in principle, Defra and the relevant authorities have not fulfilled their responsibilities under the BTOM in practice. As such, the question of …
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that a robust, risk-based regime is essential for safeguarding biosecurity through the BTOM and shares context on how the implemented regime supports this. They balance transparency with commercial sensitivity and operational confidentiality and cannot commit to a specific approach to publication. They highlight that Sevington is the only government-run BCP in Great Britain.
3
Conclusion
Acknowledged
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.
5
Conclusion
Acknowledged
There is a critical need for greater transparency and accuracy in the modelling and implementation of SPS controls. A failure to publish risk assessments and data informing inspection rates, limits scrutiny and undermines trust in the system. Addressing these issues through open publication and review of underlying models will support …
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that transparency in risk-based assessment models is beneficial and outlines its existing SPS control regime, but it does not commit to new specific actions regarding the open publication or review of underlying models and data.
9
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Throughout our inquiry, we heard repeated and serious concerns about the functionality, integration, and reliability of the IT systems underpinning the UK’s border biosecurity regime. As enforcement relies on data, these concerns raise fundamental questions about the Government’s ability to deliver on its commitments under the BTOM. We welcome the …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges concerns about the functionality, integration, and reliability of IT systems underpinning the UK's border biosecurity regime. They welcome efforts to review data recording and analysis within port health authority and Defra IT systems.
16
Conclusion
Acknowledged
There is a need to learn from the cost overruns and delays associated with developing new digital systems such as the Single Trade Window. While an SPS deal with the EU may ease administrative burdens, the UK’s global trade requires a fully functioning Single Trade Window to deliver the necessary …
Government Response Summary
The government reiterates its commitment to the Single Trade Window, which aligns with the committee's observation of its importance, but does not directly address the specific point about learning from past cost overruns and delays in system development.