Last minute change to risk categories for fruits and vegetables imported from the EU

29th January 2024

The Department for Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has issued a major reclassification of risk categories for fruit and vegetables under the new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).

The latest change suggests that many fruits and vegetables coming from the EU will now be classed as medium risk when they were previously in the low-risk category. An easement is in place, which means these products will temporarily remain low-risk and won’t require pre-notification or certification.

BTOM is due to start a phased implementation next Wednesday (31st January), with physical checks on some UK imports due to start in April.

You can check your categories here - TOM risk categorisations - UK Plant Health Information Portal (defra.gov.uk)