The Accredited Trusted Trader Scheme (ATTS) - What is it and why does it matter?

Discover the importance of the Accredited Trusted Trader Scheme (ATTS) and how it supports businesses importing medium-risk products into Great Britain.

What is the ATTS?

The Accredited Trusted Trader Scheme (ATTS) is aimed at supporting businesses that import medium-risk products into Great Britain, as per the Border Target Operating Model. The medium-risk products covered under this scheme are products of animal origin (POAO) and animal by-products (ABP). The scheme allows trusted traders, who are approved to participate in the pilot, to import these products with ease and convenience.

The Accredited Trusted Trader Scheme (ATT) trail starts in January 2024

Starting from January 2024, a trial plan will be implemented to reduce logistical challenges faced by certain types of firms. The plan is aimed at co-designing and executing the first trial in collaboration with businesses that meet the required conditions.

To participate in the Accredited Trusted Trader Scheme, participants had to meet certain prerequisites. They had to be registered in the UK for customs purposes, a history of good customs or sanitary and phytosanitary compliance. They had to name a responsible person who had the authority to act on behalf of the business. This person will be liable for the business complying with the pilot. They also have a record of IPAFS pre-notifications.

When a company decides to use specific modules of the Accredited Trusted Trader Scheme, there may be additional requirements applicable.

These may include:

• Being authorised or registered as an animal by-product business with the Animal and Plant Health Agency or being certified or registered as a food firm by their local government, the Food Standards Agency, or Food Standards Scotland.

• Having no history of poor compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

• Having no previous record of noncompliant customs.

• Assigning a specific person or people to be responsible for identifying, controlling, and monitoring risks.

• Implementing government-developed standard operating procedures to provide appropriate assurances about biosecurity and public health.

• Owning biosecure buildings and infrastructure

• Employing personnel with the necessary authority and training.

ATTS offers 3 modules with varying eligibility criteria for traders to apply to. Traders can apply for multiple modules and there will be future benefits for trusted traders.

Module 1: Certification Logistics

The Certification Logistics module aims to simplify the certification process for packaged products moving from an EU consolidation hub to Great Britain.

Trusted traders will be allowed to use an export health certificate (EHC) from the point of origin of the goods, such as a manufacturing site, without the need for the goods to be re-certified at a consolidation hub in the EU before dispatching them to Great Britain.

However, trusted traders will need to provide assurances regarding the biosecurity and food safety integrity of the goods throughout transport, storage, and any limited manipulation allowed.

Initially, this module will only apply to packaged goods that originate from the EU. The government and trusted traders will work together to assess the intended use of products moved under the scheme, such as for retail or wholesale purposes, and to identify any public health and food safety risks. The types of packaged products that trusted traders can move under this module will be confirmed following the risk assessments.

This module is set to be piloted from January 2024.

Module 2: Checks Away From the Border

Trusted traders will be able to conduct routine identity and physical checks of imports at their own site in Great Britain with the help of the Checks Away From the Border module. This means that such checks would not have to be carried out at a border control post (BCP). The physical checks carried out by trusted traders would be similar to the ones applied on a risk basis to sanitary and phytosanitary goods that are not imported by a trusted trader.

It is important to note that the trusted trader checks may not be a replica of the BCP checks, but they will be closely monitored by the government and provide the same level of biosecurity and public health protection.

This module will apply to all medium-risk POAO and ABP, as well as goods originating from the rest of the world, including the EU. The Checks Away From the Border module will be piloted starting from April 2024.

Module 3: Journey Assurance

The Journey Assurance module intends to make use of supply chain data and other technology-enabled data to determine whether evidence of journey assurance can be utilized as a part of sanitary and phytosanitary controls. This will provide benefits for trusted traders.

Defra has invited businesses that record data to come forward. This includes data that can provide assurance that the goods within a consignment match those listed on accompanying documentation, as well as evidence of goods remaining stable and secure during a journey. For example, temperature tracking.

This module includes all medium-risk POAO and ABP, and goods originating from both the EU and the rest of the world. It is scheduled to be tested from April 2024.

What is the purpose of the Pilot?

The following are important questions that businesses need to consider when it comes to fulfilling import criteria and collaborating with relevant authorities.

• What is the system review process and how does a business approach it?

• How do businesses ensure traceability of their products from the producer to the retailer?

• How consistent is supplier assurance throughout the supply chain, and how is it verified?

• What happens to properties that don't meet specific requirements?

• To what extent is data collected and shared with relevant authorities, including certifications?

• How do traders respond to non-compliant shipments and other incidents that need reporting?

• How can dealers assist authorities in allowing audits?

• What are the membership requirements, costs, and how are non-compliance issues with scheme criteria handled?

Four Phases

The pilot will run in four phases which are as follows:

Phase 1: Apply for the pilot

Businesses that are interested applied for one or more of the available modules.

Phase 2: Co-design phase

Defra will invite successful businesses to participate in the co-design phase. It will be a collaborative process where Defra, the Scottish and Welsh Governments, the Food Standards Agency, Food Standards Scotland and the business will work in partnership to establish any necessary changes to the business’ operational processes.

Phase 3: Start pilot

Once the design changes have been made, businesses will implement them, monitor their success and identify any challenges or issues. Defra and other agencies will provide technical support throughout this phase to help with any difficulties. The Certification Logistics module will begin implementation from 31st January 2024, while the Checks Away From the Border and Journey Assurance modules will begin from 30th April 2024.

Phase 4: Evaluation

Defra, the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland will audit whether businesses follow the new and existing procedures throughout the pilot. Businesses that fail to comply with the procedures may not be able to continue the pilot. At the end of the pilot, an evaluation working group will assess:

• if the proposed benefits of the scheme were realised

• if any identified risks were managed effectively

• how well the scheme model worked in practice

The evaluation framework will depend on which modules were tested by a business. The main aim of evaluation will be to make sure that the UK’s high biosecurity and food safety standards are maintained.

The feedback and data gathered during this phase will help government refine the scheme for any wider rollout.

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