18 September 2023: UK and Central America sanitary and phytosanitary measures subcommittee meeting
Updated 23 February 2024
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Items and responses
The first meeting of the subcommittee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) under the agreement establishing an association between the UK and Central America took place on 18 September 2023, via written correspondence.
1. Members of the subcommittee, approval of the agenda and agreement on the Rules of Procedure
The UK and the Central American countries approved the agenda, agreed on the Rules of Procedure for the meeting, and exchanged contact details.
2. Organisational structure and distribution of responsibilities between Competent Authorities in the field of SPS measures
All parties provided information on their organisational structures and management of SPS issues.
3. Update and information on the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM)
The UK provided an update on the BTOM, which was published on 29 August 2023.
The BTOM is a border model outlining new policies and processes that importers, the border industry and wider stakeholders will need to go through in order to import goods into Great Britain.
4. Calendar of the SPS subcommittee
The parties decided the timing of the next meeting would be coordinated via the secretariats from each country.
5. Summary of the meeting and operational conclusions
All parties would finalise a summary of the meeting and written operational conclusions after the meeting. It was agreed that the first meeting had been a success.