A delayed approach to SPS and ENS import controls on EU-GB movements

A further delay to sanitary and phytosanitary controls on goods imported from the European Union to Great Britain was announced today 28th April 2022, by Jacob Rees Mogg, Minister for Brexit Opportunities.

The requirement for an Export Health Certificate to be signed by an authorised veterinarian in the EU exporting member state to accompany products of animal origin, and be uploaded into IPAFFS in advance of arrival, to generate a full CHED reference - replicating the EU's TRACES system, was planned to be introduced between 1 July – 1 November 2022, for meat, dairy, and composite goods respectively.

Chilled meat preparations importers will benefit from being able to continue to import products such as sausages, and minced meat, without these products facing a requirement to be frozen at - 18°C or below.

Sanitary and Phytosanitary checks will continue to take place at the place of destination, rather than a border control post.

Additionally, the requirement for transport companies to submit a safety and security S&S GB ENS declaration when entering Great Britain from the European Union has been delayed.

Under the new arrangements the following border controls due to be introduced from in 2022 are postponed indefinitely – at least until the end of 2023.

· A requirement for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks currently at destination to be moved to a Border Control Post (BCP)

· A requirement for safety and security declarations on EU imports

· A requirement for health certification for further SPS imports

· A requirement for SPS goods to be presented at a BCP

· Prohibitions and restrictions on the import of chilled meats from the EU

This is the third delay to Brexit-related import controls introduced since the end of the transition period on 1 January 2021. The Cabinet Office anticipates that the measure will save UK importers £1 billion in associated administrative fees, and limit the potential for the increased financial burden to be passed to the consumer.

Further information is available from: Jacob Rees Mogg,’Brexit Opportunities’ Cabinet Office, 28 April 2022-04-28, available from: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2022-04-28/hcws796

Cabinet Office ‘New approach to import controls to help ease cost of living’, 28 April 2022, available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-approach-to-import-controls-to-help-ease-cost-of-living

The requirement to submit IPAFFS pre-notifications for relevant products of animal origin, composite goods, ABP and high risk food and feed not of animal origin remains. For insight on how this may impact your business, please contact Alinea Customs on 0207 101 4242 or customs@alineacustoms.com.