| answer text |
<p>The Government published the final Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) on 29 August
2023. It outlines new policies and processes that importers, the border industry and
wider stakeholders including EU exporters will need to go through in order to import
goods. We are implementing the BTOM in stages throughout 2024 to help industry get
accustomed to the changes.</p><p>We have worked extensively with small and medium
enterprises to help us define and help them adapt to new controls and requirements.
Since publishing the final BTOM, Defra’s ongoing engagement has included regularly
contacting 30,000 importers with up-to-date information, delivering over 50 webinars
to thousands of businesses, providing bespoke training and working with HMRC to issue
communication to 150,000 businesses in the UK.</p><p>The risk-based model outlined
in the BTOM supports businesses of all sizes by minimising costs and burdens for traders
and consumers. For example, low-risk products of animal origin will not require an
Export Health Certificate or routine border checks and medium risk goods will undergo
reduced intervention at the border. We are also piloting new Trusted Trader schemes
that will support groupage loads, which is how SMEs often transport their goods.</p><p>All
businesses will benefit from using the Single Trade Window, saving time and cost for
traders. When fully operational, it will make better use of data and remove duplication
to make it easier to trade internationally. This can also limit the requirement to
use intermediaries and helps to support small businesses through the user interface
on the platform. As the Single Trade Window develops, more information will be provided
as to how SMEs can be involved and utilise the service.</p><p>The Department for Business
and Trade supports small and medium enterprises with national programmes such as the
Growth Hub network and through schemes such as Help to Grow. The new Help to Grow
Campaign includes a dedicated website, acting as a resourcing hub for business support
and advice, as well as SME leadership training schemes, Help to Grow Management and
Help to Grow: Management Essentials. UK businesses can access DBT’s wealth of export
support via <a href="http://great.gov.uk/" target="_blank">Great.gov.uk</a>. This
comprises a digital self-serve offer and our wider network of support including trade
advisers, Export Champions, the Export Academy, our International Markets network
and UK Export Finance.</p><p>Furthermore, since its launch in October 2021, to February
2024, the Export Support Service (ESS) Export Digital Enquiry Service has supported
over 16,800 enquiries. The ESS International Markets (IM) service has been live in
all nine HMTC regions since April 2022 and has received 23,500 market enquiries from
10,700 businesses (up to February 2024).</p><p> </p><p> </p>
|
|
