Border Control Posts (BCPs) - minimum location requirements: consultation

1. Introduction

Since leaving the European Union (EU), imported Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) products from the EU are required to enter Scotland through a designated BCP. Official controls on goods are performed at BCPs to ensure that the goods comply with rules for the protection of human, animal or plant health, animal welfare, or the environment.

Although BCPs are designated by Scottish Ministers, with regulatory functions carried out by official veterinarians and inspectors, decisions to establish the facilities required for a BCP are principally commercial investment decisions for operators.

In May 2025, the UK Government and the EU agreed a Common Understanding. As part of this understanding, they agreed to work towards establishing a ‘Common SPS Area’ by way of an SPS agreement. This is a welcome possibility and something that the Scottish Government has long advocated for.

If an agreement is reached, the vast majority of movements of animals, animal products, plants, and plant products between Great Britain and the EU would take place without the controls that are currently in place. Such a possibility also creates uncertainty on investment decisions for establishing new BCP facilities at a point of entry.