| Common questions and answers
These are the most common questions we’ve received from importing businesses and agents. We will update this list regularly.
Are consignments accompanied by EHCs that were signed before or on the day of the confirmation of the outbreak (7th March) in Hungary and restrictions on Slovakia still allowed into GB?
All foot and mouth disease susceptible consignments from the whole of Hungary and Slovakia are being detained.
What live animals are included / are considered FMD susceptible?
Live (including non-domestic) ungulates (ruminants and porcine, including wild game) and their germplasm.
Are restrictions only on fresh meat that is not processed?
The restrictions have been placed on all fresh meat (including chilled and frozen), live animals and processed meat that does not meet the processing/treatment requirements.
Are there restrictions on meat that has been processed? What’s the definition of processed?
Meat products from ungulates that have not been subject to specific treatment D1, D, C or B (including wild game), milk, colostrum and their products unless subjected to treatment as defined in Article 4 of Regulation 2010/605
Is it only meat from the Hungarian region that is affected?
The loss of disease freedom covers the whole of Hungary and Slovakia and therefore the restrictions apply to both those countries as a whole.
What do we do about meat that’s already on the shelves in supermarkets?
These products do not need to be removed. However we urge traders not to put impacted products into the GB supply chain – much of it will be safe, but for that which originated close to the outbreak in a timeframe where FMD infection or contamination is possible we will want to trace it and remove it.
Are there any restrictions on research and diagnostic samples?
Traders can continue to import research and diagnostic samples from Hungary or Slovakia if they comply with the import conditions in general import authorisation IMP-GEN-2024-13, which must accompany the consignment.
Are there any restrictions on non-harmonised animal by-products or display items?
Certain types of animal by-products (ABP) (not for human consumption) have no specific import rules laid down in the ABP Regulations and are not required to be imported with a health certificate – these are often referred to as ‘non-harmonised’ products.
From April 2024, general import authorisations have been available for use by traders to import any type of non-harmonised ABP or display items from EU and EFTA member states.
To prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease, following a case being confirmed in Hungary, the general import authorisation for non-harmonised ABP (IMP/GEN/2025/01) has been revoked and replaced with a new authorisation (IMP/GEN/2025/03), and the general import authorisation for display items (IMP/GEN/2025/02) has been revoked and replaced with a new authorisation (IMP/GEN/2025/04). Both are available here:
General licences and authorisations to import live animals or animal products – GOV.UK
These new authorisations will need to be used by traders immediately.
These new general import authorisations cannot be used for non-harmonised ABP or display items originating from Hungary or Slovakia that have been obtained from any of the following animals:
- cow, bull, sheep, goat, deer, camel, llama, alpaca, guanaco, vicuna, any other ruminant, any swine (that is, a member of the suborder Suina of the order Artiodactyla), elephant or rodent (other than a pet rodent).
If an importer wishes to import these types of products, they must now apply to CIT using an IV58 application form. A specific import authorisation will be issued subject to a satisfactory assessment of the application. The product must not be imported without an accompanying specific import authorisation.
Can products that have been restricted and held at the border be returned to Hungary and Slovakia?
Yes, goods that have been held at the border as a consequence of the outbreak of FMD in Hungary and Slovakia can be returned to Hungary and Slovakia on a voluntary basis subject to agreement by the veterinary authorities in the EU.
Do the restrictions resulting from FMD outbreak in Hungary and Slovakia affect only medium and higher risk categories for POAO, or are products currently categorised as low risk affected too?
The restrictions have been placed on all products irrespective of the risk profile that are covered by the published guidance. The risk profiles won’t be changed as a result of this outbreak.
Where the low risk product needs to be treated to a certain level to conform to the requirements as set out in the Foot and Mouth notice, evidence of this treatment must be provided. Contact the PHA/LA at the point of entry for advice.
Can Hungararian and Slovakian Official Veterinarians still sign Export Health Certificates (EHCs) to import SPS products to GB?
Hungary has now lost its FMD-free status and based on a risk assessment we are including restrictions from the whole of Slovakia. As such, GB EHCs for export of products of animal origin from FMD-susceptible animals (including pigs) from Hungary and Slovakia can no longer be certified.
Is meat or product from pigs or any other FMD-susceptible species sourced outside of Hungary and Slovakia but slaughtered in Hungary and Slovakia under this restriction?
Regardless of the origin of the pigs, the export would be from Hungary or Slovakia and as such would require an EHC signed by an OV in Hungary or Slovakia. As a consequence of Hungary and Slovakia ( based on risk) losing FMD freedom this certificate could no longer be signed.
What about consignments with EHCs already signed?
EHCs already signed were done so in good faith before the presence of FMD in Hungary and Slovakia was confirmed. However, this product currently is risky because the investigations in Hungary or Slovakia relating to the emergence of disease and possible distribution is not complete. Where possible we have asked for these consignments to be held at BCPs for now.
We urge traders not to put this product into the GB supply chain – much of it will be safe but for that which originated close to the outbreak in a timeframe where FMD infection or contamination is possible we will want to trace it and remove it.
What about mixed loads?
Non-Foot and Mouth impacted consignments
Where a vehicle or trailer contains multiple consignments, and one or more of those consignments have been detained, it is permitted to release those consignments that have not been detained.
Foot and Mouth impacted consignments
Where a vehicle or a trailer has been detained at a BCP containing Hungary or Slovakia origin animal origin products subject to Foot and Mouth restrictions and otherwise compliant non-Hungarian or Slovakian origin animal origin products, it is permitted to split the load and sometimes the consignment and release the non-Hungary or Slovakia origin animal origin consignments in certain circumstances. These circumstances include:
Where fresh meat consignments are wrapped and packaged in such a way as to minimise the likelihood of cross contamination. For example, where the POAO is sealed and in end consumer packaging or when boxed and there is no evidence of cross contamination between the boxes.
Where the frozen consignments are well packaged in boxes and the meat within is not in direct contact with the Hungary or Slovakia origin POAO.
Splitting of the consignment is not possible where the POAO subject to Foot and Mouth restrictions is in direct contact or close non barrier contact with the non-impacted consignment, Or, where splitting the consignments would result in direct contact or the potential for direct or very close non barrier contact. For example, where there are hanging carcasses within a vehicle trailer of mixed origin all the carcasses in the consignments (and all consignments in the load) would be detained.
Given the range of circumstances in which goods can be presented to the BCP, BCP inspectors should apply professional judgement when deciding if there is a strong likelihood of cross contamination within a consignment, before rejecting non-Hungarian or Slovakian POAO products. |
Mar 7th, 2025
28 mins
