Food Standards Agency
Sunday 5 July 2009
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Listen to this siteIt's important to control imports to protect the health of people, animals and plants. That's why there are restrictions on the food products that can be imported into the UK and why food imports are checked as they enter the country.
It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure that there are sufficient quality controls in place in the country of origin where the product is produced. It is also the importer’s responsibility to ensure that the food they import to the UK is fit for human consumption and that no-one will become ill if they eat it.
The controls on imported food vary depending on the type of food and the part of the world it comes from.
Back to topImport licences are required for certain products of animal origin not covered by EU Regulations prior to the products arriving into the UK. Further information can be found on Defra’s website at (External) http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/int-trde/imports/licences/index.htm . You can also contact Defra’s Animal Health by email at ahitchelmsford@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk , or call 01245 358383 for more information.
Also you may need a licence to import certain Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) commodities into the EU. For more information on CAP licences please contact Defra’s Rural Payments Agency’s Trade Enquiry Line on 0191 2265050 or Email them at: tsmu@rpa.gsi.gov.uk
Apart from the above products you do not need to apply for an import licence to bring in food products to the UK. Further information on other kinds of licences can be found at (External) http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1074185375
Back to topIt is important to check if the goods you want to import has a commodity code and If it does it will be liable for tax. Importers should therefore contact the Customs Tariff Classification Helpline on 01702 366 077 or Email them at: classification.tso@hmrc.gov.uk
HMRC also runs a helpline giving advice on import duties/tax for some food items. For further information and advice you should contact HMRC on: 0845 010 9000 (this helpline is open Monday to Fridays between 8am and 8pm).
Further information on the roles and responsibilities for these departments and others can be found at the links at the bottom of the page.
Back to topA personal import is something that you bring into the country for your own personal use and not to sell to other people.
Food coming into the UK from other European Union (EU) Member States is not officially an import. It is subject to free movement of trade between EU countries and not subject to routine checks at UK ports.
All food imports of products of animal origin, such as meat and dairy products, from countries outside the EU must enter the UK through designated Border Inspection Posts. These are operated by local port health authorities and food enforcement officers from local authorities.
All products imported into the UK must comply with European Union (EU) law on contaminants.
All products imported into the UK must comply with European Union (EU) law on miscellaneous food additives (e.g. preservatives, antioxidants, colours, sweeteners, flavourings and emulsifiers).
All food products sold in the UK must comply with general labelling laws, as well as specific rules for some types of product.
In the UK, local authorities and port health authorities are responsible for controlling imports of irradiated foods, including appropriate testing. Certain foods that have been irradiated may be imported into the UK, as long as they comply with certain rules.
If you import a food that is claimed to treat or prevent a disease, or is used for medical purposes, then it may be considered to be a medicine.
If you are importing a product that will be sold as organic, you must make sure you comply with the law.
There are strict laws within the EU on the materials that are used in food packaging, especially plastics. So, if you are importing a food product into the UK, you must make sure that the packaging complies with these rules.
The Agency has helped produce a Memorandum of Understanding, allowing the London Borough of Hillingdon to undertake additional imported food controls at Heathrow Airport. Previously, responsibility was shared with four other local authorities.
The relationship between enforcers and importers is generally good and both work together to ensure that the consumer is protected. However, sometimes enforcement activity can cause concern to individuals and commercial enterprises.
Roles and responsibilities of Government organisations with an interest in imported food.
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