UK import controls criticized as ‘inadequate’
An analysis of UK border controls has revealed several problems, including importers taking advantage of varying port inspection rates.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee said the commercial animal and plant imports system is “inadequate.”
A report from the committee highlights several problems with the effective operations of commercial border controls.
It lists flawed IT systems and data gaps amongst the causes of weak enforcement. The committee heard that the government introduced a ban on meat imports from Germany in early 2025 in response to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease but prohibited products continued entering the UK for a further six days until digital systems were updated. However, there was an improved response to subsequent outbreaks in Slovakia and Hungary, preventing goods from auto-clearing controls.
Inspection rate issues
The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) is tasked with maintaining biosecurity in the UK’s external trade in animal and plant products.
The inquiry resulted in 169 pieces of written evidence, three oral evidence sessions and inspections of border facilities. The focus was on commercial imports with a previously published report covering personal imports of meat products.
Experts said people seeking to dodge costs or import illegal goods can take advantage of varying inspection rates at different ports of entry. The committee recommended that Defra assess the scale and nature of intentional non-compliance and outline the steps it will take to address the issue.
Evidence to the inquiry highlighted that because of capacity issues at border control posts (BCPs) auto clearance mechanisms are routinely being used, despite the risk-based inspection rates set by Defra in the BTOM.
The National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) and Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU) said the BTOM arrangements have created an incentive for importers to purposefully mis-declare consignments. The agencies added that fraudulent documents and falsified labeling are being used to mislead authorities about the true nature of food imports.
Tom Bradshaw, National Farmers Union president, said effective import controls are vital to protect the UK’s biosecurity, food safety and international reputation.
“Livestock businesses need confidence that border checks maintain food safety, with sufficient resources to stamp out fraud and illegal activity. There are concerns BCPs could become points of infection rather than inspection, and some UK growers have lost many thousands of pounds due to damage of their goods caused by poor re-loading after inspection.”
A serious risk
The committee said it had concerns that inspection rates in the BTOM risk assessment were not being met.
“We are not convinced that a lack of published data on the inspection rates is due to a desire to protect the integrity of the intelligence system. We have concerns that they are not being published to avoid highlighting Defra’s historic non-compliance with its own targets,” according to the report.
Defra was asked to publish a review by January 2026 on implementation of the BTOM. It should include data on the variation in inspection rates between ports of entry, and how often auto clearance mechanisms are being used. There was also a call to publish quarterly inspection rates for ports.
In May, the UK and EU agreed to establish a common sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) area, but the UK will rely on the present system of biosecurity controls until an agreement is reached. It is unclear whether the UK import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS) will continue to be used or if it will be replaced with renewed access to the EU TRACES NT system.
Alistair Carmichael, chair of the committee, said they found high compliance by companies, despite the costs imposed by the system as well as the uncertainty and short notice changes.
“The other side of the coin is enforcement by the relevant authorities and here we found that, despite the best efforts of the operating teams and management, the operations are failing, leaving the UK’s biosecurity at serious risk and allowing opportunities for criminal enterprise. Our report describes the numerous problems and inadequacies which are making it impossible for the designated authorities to do their job,” he said.
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