New requirements for importing food and plant products into the UK from the EU – 1st January 2022

New requirements will be introduced for importing some sanitary and phytosanitary goods, such as meat or plants, to Great Britain from the EU from 1 January 2022.

Pre-notification will be required for imports to Great Britain of most products of animal origin, animal by-products, high risk food not of animal origin and regulated plants and plant products from the EU. Businesses (or a representative acting on their behalf) importing these goods from the EU may be required to pre-notify authorities on the relevant IT system that their consignment will be entering Great Britain.

All current controls, including pre-notification, for products of animal origin under safeguard measures, live animals and high-priority plants and plant products remain unchanged.  

Full customs declarations will also be introduced on 1 January 2022. Visit GOV.UK to find out what you need to do to comply with the new customs declaration rules.

The introduction of these import control requirements, forms part of a longer phased approach throughout 2022.

From 1 July 2022:

  • SPS goods must enter via a Border Control Post (BCP) that has been designated to receive these goods – the consignment will be subject to documentary, ID, and physical checks
  • Importers will need to receive an Export Health Certificate for Products of Animal Origin and Animal By-Products or a phytosanitary certificate for plants and plant products from their EU exporter
  • Safety and security declarations on imports will be required

Further information about the latest guidance for importing can be found via these links: foodanimal by-products and plant products 

  • on December 20, 2021