New timetable for controls on importing animal products from the EU into GB

News article

Find out what this might mean for your business if you import animal products from the EU into GB

New controls and requirements due to be introduced from 1 October 2021 and 1 January 2022 have now been delayed to 1 January 2022 and 1 July 2022.

Businesses no longer need to pre-notify or acquire a certified Export Health Certificate (EHC) from 1 October 2021. This means you can continue to import animal product consignments from the European Union as you do today until 31 December 2021.

From 1 January 2022

From 1 January 2022, importers (or a representative acting on their behalf) will be required to pre-notify authorities via IPAFFS that their consignment will be entering GB.

From July 2022

From 1 July 2022, animal products will need to continue to pre-notify their arrival via IPAFFS. Additionally, these consignments must be accompanied by a certified Export Health Certificate and enter via a point of entry with a Border Control Post (BCP) that has been designated to receive these goods.

The consignment will be subject to documentary, ID, and physical checks. These delays do not impact any current arrangements already in place i.e. products under safeguard measures.

Defra is encouraging businesses to start thinking about the appropriate and relevant actions they will need to take to be ready for 1 January 2022.

Defra will provide additional information in due course about the new requirements and controls being introduced from 1 January 2022.

Register for IPAFFS.


First published: 16 September 2021