First thoughts on the new version of the Border Operating Model

Nothing has changed – it's all additions to the previous version.

We’re getting a lot more info on infrastructure – sites for transit, SPS checks etc.

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This is helpful as it will allow businesses and intermediaries to plan for their trade lanes. Especially for businesses planning to use transit or needing additional checks

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Nothing on NI - but we knew that in advance.

New info on so-called multi-functional inland infrastructure sites - their function (on 1 Jan as well as 1 July) and location.

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More info on a number of important topics :

- Delayed customs declarations
- Liability
- Poor compliance history (definition for the purpose of deferment account applications - important!)
- Bulk declarations
- SPS checks from July

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Also new info on what HMRC refers to as "the artist formerly knowns at the Smart Freight System" - the new "check an HGV is ready to cross the border" system.

This will be important for Kent permits - AFIK this will be the system responsible for that

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New versions of process maps included as well.

It's now live so here is the link

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-border-operating-model?utm_source=054dea66-171e-409d-a4a7-e77b63b4ede5&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

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On the whole, this looks like it's going to be helpful.
Unanswered questions remain but HMRC/Gov well aware of that.
Still, particularly the info on sites should help biz to better plan which goods need to go through which post/ site/ exit/entry point. That's important

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