Feb 7th, 2022
3 mins
As you will know, EU to GB Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) import controls begin from 1 July 2022. At this point, the UK will introduce certification, documentary, ID and physical checks, by commodity groups for products of animal origin, animal by-products, plant and plant products, in three phases between 1 July and 1 November 2022.
But a question we are frequently asked is ‘exactly when will industry be informed as to which commodities each Border Control Post (BCP) will be handling?’.
We were hoping by this point we would be able to provide some clarity but unfortunately, we’ve been informed that as it is a commercial decision rather than governmental, Defra will be unable to confirm the detail. However, to assist industry, Defra are asking BCPs to publish which designations they have applied for (i.e., which commodities they have applied to be able to handle). Please bear in mind though that this may not necessarily equate to the definitive list, but rather just what applications have been made and of course, some applications may not pass.
Once we have further information, we will update members accordingly.
We have been reassured that lots of contingency planning is going on in the background to ensure BCP’s will be ready by July and are informed that all 22 port health authorities in England and their associated ports are on track for deliverability. Wales BCPs will unfortunately not be ready for checks but there will be interim arrangements to ensure checks can still be done.
