Export EU-UK
New timetable for introducing import border control processes
The UK has left the Single Market and Customs Union and new rules now apply. As the transition period in connection with Brexit is over, it is time to learn the rules for sending goods to the UK from the EU.
Check the new timetable for introducing import border control processes.
Import from an EU country from 1 October 2021
There are new rules for importing animal products and HRFNAO into Great Britain from the EU from 1 October 2021.
POAO (products of animal origin):
imports from 1 October 2021
From 1 October 2021, POAO imports must be:
accompanied by a health certificate so they can have remote documentary checks
pre-notified by the importer using IPAFFS
ABP (animal by-products):
imports from 1 October 2021
From 1 October 2021 certain ABP imports must be:
accompanied by a health certificate if available – if there is no health certificate for your commodity, contact APHA as goods may be able to travel under licence and a commercial document
pre-notified by the importer using IPAFFS
HRFNAO (High risk food and feed not of animal origin):
imports from 1 October 2021
From 1 October 2021, anyone importing HRFNAO must use IPAFFS to submit import pre-notifications.
Import from an EU country from 1 January 2022
There are new rules for importing animal products, germinal products, and HRFNAO into Great Britain from the EU from 1 January 2022.
POAO and ABP: imports from 1 January 2022
POAO and ABP must enter Great Britain at an established point of entry with an appropriate BCP from 1 January 2022.
Check if your product must be imported through a point of entry with an appropriate BCP by looking for the CN code for your product in:
Germinal Products: imports from 1 January 2022
New import requirements will apply to germinal products from the EU from 1 January 2022. Goods must:
be accompanied by a health certificate so they can have documentary checks
be pre-notified by the importer using IPAFFS
enter at an established point of entry with an appropriate BCP so they’re available for documentary, identity and physical checks
The level of physical and identity checks from 1 January 2022 will be based on assessments of biosecurity and public health risks.
HRFNAO: imports from 1 January 2022
From 1 January 2022, anyone importing HRFNAO must:
submit import pre-notifications at least one working day in advance of the goods’ arrival
enter them through a BCP so they can have documentary checks, and if necessary identity and physical checks
Find a full list of UK BCPs.
Import from an EU country from 1 March 2022
There are new rules for importing live animals, including equines into Great Britain from the EU from 1 March 2022.
Goods must:
be accompanied by a health certificate so they can have documentary checks
be pre-notified by the importer using IPAFFS
enter at an established point of entry with an appropriate BCP so they’re available for documentary, identity and physical checks
The level of physical and identity checks will be based on assessments of biosecurity and public health risks.
All high-risk live animals imported from the EU will continue to be checked.
Check if you need to notify APHA
You need to notify APHA if you plan to import live animals that do not need a health certificate or official documentation, but do have to be notified under Trade in Animals and Related Products regulations (TARP). For example, insects, reptiles and amphibians.
If you’re importing to Northern Ireland, contact DAERA for advice about what you need to do.
When your consignment arrives
Animals must be taken directly to the destination premises listed in the documentation. Depending on the species imported, animals may need to stay at the destination premises for 48 hours.
Consignments may need a post-import check. APHA will contact you to arrange a visit if they do.
