The UK GUK Border Biosecurity: Defra Responds as BTOM Is Phased Out – 19 November 2025
The UK border biosecurity system is undergoing a major transition as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) responds to parliamentary critiques and moves away from the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM). Officials emphasized that a strong, risk-based system is essential for protecting the UK against animal and plant disease outbreaks while maintaining trade flow efficiency.
Lessons Learned from Recent Outbreaks
Defra confirmed that lessons from Europe’s foot-and-mouth outbreaks earlier in 2025 have informed its new approach. The department has completed work on commodity codes for major notifiable diseases, though these remain unpublished to prevent misuse. Officials noted that the UK now has the capability for an immediate health response to future outbreaks, ensuring a faster and more coordinated intervention.
The department stressed that transparency remains a priority, but it must be balanced with commercial and operational sensitivities to avoid jeopardizing biosecurity.
Improvements at Sevington Inland Border Post
Ministers have targeted improvements at the Sevington inland border post, a critical hub for agricultural trade. The upgrades aim to reduce delays and enhance inspection efficiency while maintaining strong disease prevention protocols. Defra noted that operational improvements are ongoing, although some uncertainty will persist until the completion of UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) negotiations.
Transitioning From BTOM to SPS Agreement
As the UK moves away from the BTOM, the Government confirmed that the model will be replaced by SPS-focused agreements, which aim to streamline border inspections and provide clearer operational guidance for traders. Defra committed to publishing inspection attendance data by January 2026, enabling greater transparency and public scrutiny of compliance efforts.
Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael welcomed Defra’s acknowledgment of the BTOM’s shortcomings, noting that MPs will continue to monitor impacts on trade, particularly in sectors most vulnerable to border disruptions.
Risk-Based Approach to Biosecurity
A key theme in Defra’s response is the implementation of a risk-based system that prioritizes high-threat commodities and pathways. This approach allows border inspectors to focus resources where they are most needed, improving both efficiency and effectiveness in disease prevention.
Defra officials highlighted that biosecurity enforcement must be proactive, not reactive, and that lessons from past outbreaks are essential to refining inspection protocols and contingency planning.
Balancing Transparency and Operational Security
While MPs and stakeholders have called for greater transparency, Defra reiterated that certain operational details, including specific commodity codes and inspection methods, cannot be fully disclosed. This limitation aims to prevent deliberate misuse that could undermine the UK’s border biosecurity framework.
Nevertheless, Defra has pledged ongoing engagement with Parliament and the public to provide updates on performance metrics, compliance levels, and system improvements.
Looking Ahead
With BTOM phased out, the UK aims to create a streamlined, SPS-aligned border system capable of maintaining trade flows while protecting national animal and plant health. The transition reflects lessons learned from prior outbreaks, operational feedback from border staff, and input from parliamentary oversight.
Defra’s focus on a risk-based, responsive, and transparent biosecurity system is expected to provide long-term resilience against threats to agriculture and public health. As MPs continue monitoring progress, the UK’s border biosecurity framework will likely become a benchmark for balancing trade facilitation with disease prevention.
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