New UK Import Controls for EU Goods - Overview and Key Changes

Jul 8, 2024

New UK Import Controls for EU Goods

Introduction

  • Presenter: Damien Flynn, Head of Brexit & International Trade Division, Department of Agriculture, Field, and Marine
  • Date of Implementation: New UK import controls effective from October 31, 2023
  • Purpose: Explain new UK import requirements for EU goods, particularly for agri-food sectors
  • Recording & Materials: Webinar is recorded; slides & recording will be available on the Department's YouTube channel

Key Points

Overview of Changes

  • New requirements include:
    • Customs controls
    • Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements
  • Impact: Affects food businesses exporting to Great Britain (GB)
  • Objective: Preparedness to avoid trade disruption

Speaker: Ray Ryan, Revenue Commissioners

Customs Changes (Effective October 31, 2023)

  • Current Practice: Delayed Customs declarations up to 175 days
  • New Requirement: Immediate customs declarations at the time of importation
  • Pre-Lodged Declarations: Required in the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS)
  • GVMS Pre-lodgement: Failure may prevent boarding ferries from Ireland to GB
  • Responsible Parties: Confirm who in the supply chain will handle customs declarations

Speaker: Damien Flynn, Department of Agriculture

SPS Import Requirements (Effective October 31, 2023)

  • New documents published by the UK:
    • Border Target Operating Model (April 5, 2023)
    • New Export Health Certificates (April 28, 2023)
    • Risk categorization list (June 14, 2023)
  • Important Documents: Ensure familiarity and compliance with these documents
  • Categories of Risk: High, medium, and low risk for both animal and plant products

Import Requirements by Category

  • High Risk: No change; controls applied since January 1, 2021
  • Medium Risk:
    • Requires pre-notification & Export Health Certificate
    • Subject to routine border controls (from January 31, 2024, except for Irish goods)
  • Low Risk:
    • Requires pre-notification (no Export Health Certificate required)

Composite Products

  • Definition: Products with both processed animal and plant products
  • Examples: Meat pies, cooked meat noodles, dairy composites
  • Low Risk Category: All composite products require pre-notification

Implementation and Support

Department’s Efforts

  • Analysis & Engagement: Ongoing analysis of UK documents, engagement with UK counterparts
  • Surveys: Engaging businesses to confirm export certification requirements
  • Training Programs: Webinars on certification processes, TRACES system
  • Communication Strategy: Relaunched to raise awareness

Preparation Steps for Exporters

  1. Identify if certification is needed for products to GB
  2. Confirm who handles pre-notification and certification
  3. Ensure business processes align with new requirements
  4. Engage with local supervisory team (Department of Agriculture, HSE, Local Authority, SFPA)

Contacts & Resources

  • Department’s Brexit Division: Phone & email contact for queries
  • Surveys & Training: Register for upcoming training sessions on TRACES
  • UK Resources: Engage with UK authorities for clarity on import requirements

Final Notes

  • Expect subsequent webinars for further updates
  • Critical to engage and prepare in advance of the October 31, 2023 deadline