From 1 April 2021, Products of Animal Origin (POAO) and Regulated Plants and Plant Products imported from the European Union (EU) will be subject to checks. Under our trading terms, you act as the importer. That means you’re responsible for getting the correct certificates (e.g. health, import) for your products and making sure pre-notification has been given where required.
It’s really important you understand the impact this might have on your business. For instance, if your goods cross the EU border without the required certificates or pre-notification, the goods might be blocked from entering Great Britain (GB). Certification can increase your delivery lead-time so it’s best to plan for this well in advance of the 1 April.
Please use the link below to check that you’re prepared for the next stage of Britain’s exit from the European Union.
We’ve included several links to external websites below to support your understanding; if you have any concerns about being ready for these changes you need to speak with your Buyer.
1. Products of Animal Origin (PoAO)
They include but aren’t limited to:
· Meat and meat products
· Fish and fish products
· Dairy
· Honey
· Gelatine
· Eggs
· Pet food
· Composite products (e.g. lasagne, pies)*
*___
See the Composite Product Decisions Tree here.
From 1 April 2021, all PoAO imports must be:
· Accompanied by an export health certificate – these must be certified by a vet.
· Pre-notified by the Supplier (as the importer) using Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS)
Between 1 April – 30 June 2021, export health certificates will be checked remotely. From 1 July 2021, imports will need to enter GB via a Border Control Post where they could be subject to identity and physical inspections.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are hosting a series of free webinars for importers of food and drink products from the EU to Great Britain, including how to use IPAFFS, which you can book onto via the Government website.
2. Regulated plants and plant products
From 1 April 2021, checks will apply to regulated plants and plant products. This includes but is not limited to:
· all plants for planting
· root and tubercle vegetables
· most common fruits other than fruit preserved by freezing and some deregulated exceptions listed below
· cut flowers
· some seeds
· leafy vegetables other than vegetables preserved by freezing
· seed and ware potatoes
It doesn't include:
· the following deregulated products: pineapple, kiwi, coconut, citrus, kumquat, bitter orange, persimmon, durian, curry leaves, banana, plantain, mango, dates, passionfruit and guava;
· fruit and vegetables that have been processed and packaged (salads, sandwiches, frozen material);
· composite products (nut or seed butters that contain processed fruit or vegetables)
Regulated plant product will need to be:
· accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate – this must be certified by a Plant Health Authority.
· pre-notified by the supplier (as the importer) on Procedure for Electronic Application for Certificates (PEACH). If you haven’t already registered we strongly recommend you do so now: http://ehmipeach.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Module=Register
Between 1st April - 30 June 2021, the phytosanitary certificates will be checked remotely. From 1 July 2021, goods will need need to enter GB via a Border Control Post where they could be subject to identity and physical inspections. You can find more information here.
If you've any questions, please speak with your Buyer.
- From 1 January 2021, ISPM15 standards have applied to wood packaging material. Read more about it below