The Border Target Operating Model: What does it mean?

On February 1, 2024, the United Kingdom government introduced the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), marking a significant milestone in the country’s approach to border management and governance. This innovative model aims to streamline and enhance the efficiency of border operations, ensuring a more seamless flow of goods, services, and people while maintaining the highest standards of security.

Key Objectives of BTOM:

1. Efficient Customs Procedures: The BTOM prioritizes efficiency in customs procedures, aiming to reduce delays and bureaucratic hurdles in the movement of goods across borders. By leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven processes, the model seeks to create a smoother and faster customs clearance process.
2. Enhanced Security Measures: Security remains a paramount concern, and the BTOM incorporates advanced security measures to safeguard the nation against potential threats. The model utilizes cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence and advanced surveillance systems, to strengthen border security while minimizing disruptions to legitimate trade and travel.
3. Digital Transformation: The BTOM is at the forefront of the UK government’s digital transformation initiative. By embracing digital technologies, such as blockchain and electronic documentation, the model aims to reduce paperwork, enhance traceability, and provide real-time visibility into the movement of goods and people.
4. Collaboration and Partnerships: Recognizing the importance of collaboration, the BTOM encourages partnerships between the government, private sector, and international stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic and coordinated effort to address the challenges associated with border management.
5. Adaptability and Resilience: The BTOM is designed to be adaptable to changing circumstances and resilient in the face of unforeseen challenges. This flexibility allows the model to evolve and respond effectively to emerging threats, technological advancements, and shifts in global trade dynamics.

Implementation Strategies:

The successful implementation of the BTOM relies on a phased approach that involves close collaboration with various stakeholders. Key strategies include:

1. Stakeholder Engagement: The government is actively engaging with businesses, logistics providers, and other stakeholders to gather insights and feedback. This collaborative approach ensures that the BTOM addresses the specific needs and concerns of those directly involved in cross-border activities.
2. Training and Capacity Building: To maximize the benefits of the BTOM, the government is investing in training programs and capacity building initiatives. This ensures that individuals involved in border operations are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the new operating model efficiently.
3. Technological Integration: The BTOM leverages state-of-the-art technologies, and the government is investing in the seamless integration of these tools into existing systems. This integration is crucial for the successful execution of the model’s digital components, such as electronic documentation and advanced surveillance systems.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and evaluation are integral to the success of the BTOM. The government has established mechanisms to assess the model’s effectiveness regularly, enabling timely adjustments and improvements based on real-world feedback and performance data.

However, there are a number of risks and challenges that need to be addressed if BTOM is to be a success:

1. Initial Implementation Challenges: The transition to the BTOM may pose initial challenges, particularly for businesses and individuals unfamiliar with the new processes and technologies. Training and adaptation periods are necessary, and there could be disruptions during the early stages of implementation.
2. Technological Barriers: The successful execution of the BTOM relies heavily on advanced technologies. Some businesses or smaller entities may face challenges in adopting and integrating these technologies, potentially creating a digital divide and impacting their ability to participate fully in cross-border activities.
3. Data Privacy Concerns: The increased reliance on data-driven processes and information sharing raises concerns about data privacy and security. Striking a balance between efficient border operations and safeguarding individuals’ sensitive information is a delicate challenge that requires robust data protection measures.
4. Costs of Implementation: The initial costs associated with implementing the BTOM, including technology upgrades, training programs, and infrastructure development, can be substantial. While these investments are expected to yield long-term benefits, they may pose financial challenges for some businesses and government entities.
5. Potential for Disruption: Any significant change to border operations carries the potential for disruption. The BTOM’s success depends on a smooth transition, and unforeseen issues during the implementation phase could lead to temporary setbacks in trade and travel, affecting both businesses and consumers.
6. Decrease in supply: For smaller suppliers in the EU or elsewhere and who export to the UK may find the additional costs to meet UK border requirements – veterinary checks, pest control checks, etc. too expensive and stop supplying the UK.

While the Border Target Operating Model presents numerous advantages in terms of efficiency, security, and collaboration, addressing potential disadvantages through careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and ongoing evaluation is crucial for ensuring its successful and sustainable implementation.

Speaking as the first stage of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) is introduced, which will see checks put in place at the UK’s border with the EU, Nichola Mallon from Logistics UK is concerned that there is still much to be confirmed: “Since the Brexit vote in 2016, there has been much talking, but it’s disappointing that we are still asking for clarification on key asks around the way that goods move across the UK’s borders with Europe. The government has caused new confusion this week about how fruit and vegetable imports are to be handled, meaning there will now be additional import checks at the UK’s borders  which will add delays and potentially costs to fresh produce in our shops. All this confusion is preventing businesses from preparing effectively for the new trading arrangements with the EU – our members need confirmation now about how things are going to work, not at the last minute. There are still outstanding issues to be sorted, including the import charge the government will apply at its border control posts, and how the process is to work, all of which adds complexity, time and cost to the movement of goods.

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.