The UK Government’s new import control regime for agri-food goods continues to be introduced in phases throughout 2024, with further changes due to commence from 30 April. The changes from that date are in addition to the changes which were introduced from 31 January related to advance pre-notification of consignments on UK IPAFFS system and export health certification for EU imports.
From 30 April the UK is introducing new border entry Border Control Post (BCP) checks for movements of EU agri-food goods into Great Britain (GB) or via the GB landbridge, including full documentary checks, identification and inspection controls at UK designated Border Control Posts. A full list of designated UK BCPs can be accessed here - BCP Locations and Map - UK Plant Health Information Portal (defra.gov.uk).
These new UK BCP border controls will not apply to imports of Irish goods entering GB via west coast UK ports from 30 April, as UK Government import policy for these ports is not yet finalised. The Welsh Government stated recently that its Border Control Posts would not be operational before Spring 2025. As soon as there is more information, we will share it with you.
In terms of 30 April UK BCP changes the significant impact for Irish traders and agri-food exporters will be in respect of movements of agri-food products from and to Ireland via the GB landbridge, to and from the EU. The new UK Border Control Post requirements at UK east coast ports will be applied in respect of these transit movements whereby:
- Transits consignments from Ireland exiting GB via UK east coast ports will be subject to documentary checks, exit identification and inspection controls and will be required to confirm that consignments have exited the UK.
- Transit consignments to Ireland from the EU entering via east coast ports will be subject to documentary checks, entry identification and inspection controls.
If your business uses the UK landbridge to export or import goods to or from the rest of the EU, you should take steps to ensure you are ready for the next stage of UK import controls on 30 April:
- Familiarise yourself with the UK transit guidance and review your business practices to ensure that you can comply with the new requirements.
- Engage with everyone in your supply chain, including your logistics or transport provider, to ensure they are aware of the new requirements and what they must do.
- Ensure all consignments travelling across the UK landbridge are sealed with commercial seals. Failure to do so may result in a physical inspection of the consignment if it is called to attend a UK BCP for an identification check.
From 30th April UK authorities have also indicated that charging/fees arrangements will be applied related to the new UK BCP controls and checks.
Please find attached the latest guidance and information which UK authorities have shared on this.
For further information please also see below links to the latest guidance from the UK relating to:
- DEFRA Summary of Common Errors identified with IPAFFS prenotifications and export health certificates since 31 January 2024
- UK risk categories for animals and animal products imported from the EU to Great Britain, from 31 January 2024
- UK risk categorisations for plant products imported from EU to GB from 31 January 2024s
If you have any queries on these issues, you should contact the relevant UK authorities:
UK Government
- APHA - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) including GVMS - 0300 322 9434
- IPAFFS General – tel: 0300 1000313
- IPAFFS Technical – tel: 0330 041 6999
HMRC also operates several services, including
Imports and exports: general enquiries - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or Phone: 0300 200 3700.
- The UK Government also operates an online forum where you can access key information and ask questions directly on Importing and exporting - Community Forum - GOV.UK (hmrc.gov.uk)
- For Plant and Plant Products queries email: phsi-importers@apha.gov.uk
- For Animal Product urgent BTOM queries contact Port Health Authority at the relevant UK BCP.
You can also check whether the information you need is available on DAFM's Brexit page at www.gov.ie/agriculture/brexit or on the Department of Foreign Affair’s Brexit page. Both contain a wide range of detailed information including recorded webinars, ‘how to’ guides etc.