Changes to biosecurity controls from 31 October 2023

In view of the upcoming changes to food imports, we present the key dates with corresponding descriptions:

 

Changes to biosecurity controls from 31 October 2023 that affect EU exports to the UK

 

• Medium-risk animal products: Export Health Certificates (EHCs) will be required for exports from the European Union to the UK.
• Medium-risk plants and plant products: Phytosanitary (PC) certificates will be required for European Union exports to the UK
• Low-risk animal products: pre-declaration of exports from the European Union to the UK will continue; products will still need to arrive through points of entry with a Border Inspection Post, but will not be required to have an EHC.
• Low-risk plants and plant products will not require pre-notification or a Phytosanitary Certificate (PC) for export from the European Union to the UK.

 

Simplified EHC (Export Health Certificates) for the export of animal products from the European Union to the UK will be available from the end of April 2023. With a view to supporting trade and certificates, we will extend and develop the existing facility to use digital certification.

 

Changes to biosecurity controls from 31 January 2024 that affect EU exports to the UK

 

• Medium-risk animal products: 100% document checks and 1% - 30% indicative physical and identification checks to take place at UK Border Control Points (BCPs) for exports from the EU to the UK.
• Medium-risk plants and plant products: risk-based documentary, physical and identity checks carried out at border crossings and UK checkpoints for EU exports to the UK.
• Inspections of high-risk plants and plant products will be carried out from the destination to border crossings or control points for exports from the EU to the UK.
• Start piloting trusted trader schemes for animal products and authorised trader status for plants and plant products.