Latest notices for traders from Defra, December 2021

Please note that the information in this page has been issued by Defra, not the Government Chemist, and it is published to increase dissemination amongst Government Chemist stakeholders.

Import requirements from 1 January 2022

From 1 January 2022, businesses importing products of animal origin, animal by-products and high risk foods not of animal origin (HRFNAO) must pre-notify consignments at least four hours in advance of arriving into Great Britain. The pre-notification must be made via the Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS).

To help you get ready for these new requirements Defra have incorporated key information this document. Please take the time to read and understand the actions needed to continue importing from the EU into GB from 1 January 2022.

Additionally, you can refer to the Border Operating Model for further information.

Webinars: Tuesday 7 December 202, 10.00 – 11.00, Click to join

Key information and guidance is available on this microsite and on the Gov.uk webpages. If you cannot find the information you need, please contact: traders@defra.gov.uk

Import controls from 1 July 2022

In September, the Government announced full EU to GB sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import controls would begin on 1 July 2022. Import controls will be introduced in three phases:

From 1 July 2022

All certification, physical and identity checks will be introduced for:

  • All remaining regulated animal by-products

  • All lower risk plants and plant products

  • All meat and meat products

  • All remaining high-risk food not of animal origin

From 1 September 2022

• Certification and physical checks will be introduced for dairy products.

From 1 November 2022

• Certification and physical checks will be introduced for all remaining products of animal origin, including composite products and fish products.

From 1 July 2022

Checks on high-priority plants and plant products will transfer from place of destination to designated BCPs and control points.

Live animal physical checks will take place at designated border control posts where a facility is operational at the point of entry. Where there is no designated BCP, checks will remain at destination for other points of entry until sufficient BCPs are operational. Checks at Sevington inland BCP and designated airport BCPs will commence from 1 July 2022.

Please see the FAQ document for more information.