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Imports/Exports

AHDB Monthly Market Report HERE

Export Opportunity Reports
India - Technical report here & Summary here
UAE - Technical report here & Summary here
USA - Technical report here & Summary here

AIMS Export Zoom call 21st January

11th March - New Import Controls for Animal Products

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

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New Import Controls for Animal Products – Update from Defra

 

FROM JULY 2022, CERTIFICATION, DOCUMENTARY, ID AND PHYSICAL CHECKS ARE BEING INTRODUCED FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU) INTO GREAT BRITAIN (GB)

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Following the introduction of pre-notification on 1 January 2022 for most animal products, we want to start providing businesses with information ahead of further import controls being introduced from July. 

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To help you prepare, we will be running a series of webinars and Q&A sessions that will provide detailed information on the steps you need to take to continue importing animal products from the EU. You have the opportunity to submit up to three questions when you register and we will aim to cover these in the webinar.  

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Registration is now open for the following webinars:  

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Importing meat and meat products from the EU into GB

Date: 26/04/2022 

Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm

Register here

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Importing animal by-products from the EU into GB

Date: 28/04/2022 

Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm 

Register here

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We will also be running webinars on other animal product topics such as dairy, fish and composites and will communicate these dates soon. 

 

 

Summary of upcoming changes

From 1 July 2022, most animal products will need to enter Great Britain via a point of entry that has a border control post (BCP) designated to receive those goods. This applies even where goods are not subject to certification, ID and physical checks until later in the timetable.

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From 1 July an Export Health Certificate will be needed for  

  • All meat and meat products   

  • All remaining regulated animal by-products 

These will also be subject to documentary, ID and physical checks.

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From 1 September an Export Health Certificate will be needed for  

  • All dairy products 

These will also be subject to documentary, ID and physical checks.

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From 1 November an Export Health Certificate will be needed for  

  • All remaining regulated products of animal origin including fish and most composites 

These will also be subject to documentary, ID and physical checks.

View these import controls as a visual snapshot 

Please note: the above changes do not apply to goods entering Great Britain from Northern Ireland.

 

Useful Information 

This section provides you with links to information you may find useful. 

  • There is a dedicated Imports microsite which holds information (FAQs, process maps, guidance documentation) relating to import controls. You will need to be granted access to this site, please click on the link above and we will grant you access.  

  • View all import controls currently in force and upcoming requirements as a visual snapshot on the imports microsite     

  • Six factsheets have been developed to provide you with key information about the upcoming changes across several commodities. Visit the microsite to view the Animal imports fact sheets 

  • Find out more about Importing food and drink from the EU to Great Britain on gov.uk

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Keeping you informed 

Sign up to our Imports Newsletter to stay up to date and please forward this communication to anyone you think may find it helpful.

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If you have any questions about this communication, please email imports@apha.gov.uk

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Kind regards

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Business Readiness Team
EU to GB Imports - Animals and Animal Products
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affai

 

Everyone at AIMS is here to support any members, please email if you have any questions.

 

MORE THAN EVER PLEASE STAY SAFE – STAY WELL

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Click Here to return to Members Area

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5th February - Northern Ireland Protocol

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

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UK Government Update on agri-food checks in Northern Ireland

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Current processes for moving goods from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI) continue 

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On Wednesday, 2 February, Minister Edwin Poots directed his officials in the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to suspend checks at points of entry from Great Britain as of midnight on 2 February. 

 

There have been no operational changes on the ground as yet while officials in DAERA seek further advice in response to the direction provided by Minister Poots. 

 

Traders moving goods from GB to NI should continue to follow the existing processes published on GOV.UK.  

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  • Moving goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland Click here

 

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs provided an update to the House of Commons yesterday (Thursday, 3 February). Click here for the full statement.

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Keeping you informed 

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We will keep you informed and up to date on developments that affect traders moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. 

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Should you have any questions or queries about this in the meantime, please email us at traders@defra.gov.uk.  

 

Kind regards 

Business Readiness Team
Northern Ireland Directorate 
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

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Everyone at AIMS is here to support any members, please email if you have any questions.

 

MORE THAN EVER PLEASE STAY SAFE – STAY WELL

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Click Here to return to Members Area

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13th January

Animal Health Regulation EHCs from 15th Jan 2022

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

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You will need to use the Animal Health Regulation EHCs from 15 January 2022 for goods exported from GB to the EU or moved to NI 

 

This is a reminder that from 15 January 2022 you will need to use the Animal Health Regulation (AHR) Export Health Certificates (EHCs) for goods exported from Great Britain (GB) to the EU or moved to Northern Ireland (NI) if an EHC is required. EHCs used by Authorised Traders to move prohibited and restricted (P&R) goods to NI are unaffected by these changes. 

 

If you export certain animals, germinal products and products of animal origin you will need to use the AHR EHCs from 15 January 2022.

 

Using AHR EHCs from 15 January 

 

The old EHCs will be withdrawn from EHC Online on 14 January 2022, apart from some specific cases outlined below. From 1pm on that date you will no longer be able to raise new applications for these EHCs.  

 

Any in-progress exports using the old EHCs will still be valid for entry into the EU as long as the EHC is signed before 11.59 pm on 14 January 2022, and the consignment arrives at the point of entry in the EU by 15 March 2022.  

 

Please consider timings and factor in how long it normally takes you to get an EHC when exporting your goods. Also, please be aware products exported on the AHR EHCs from 15 January 2022 may require changes to be made to Support Health Attestations (SHA) earlier than 15 January 2022, so they reflect conditions of the AHR EHCs. 

 

Can I still use old EHCs?

 

We will switch off the majority of the old EHCs from 14 January 2022. The EU has requested flexibility from Member States in accepting old EHCs until the end of April 2022. 

 

The EU has not delayed the implementation of the AHR EHCs in law. New EHCs should be used wherever possible and it will be for individual Member States to decide whether they will continue to accept old certificates. You should check with your BCP of entry before using an old EHC after 15 January 2022.

 

In what circumstances can I use old EHCs?

 

Dairy 

 

AHR dairy EHCs 8353, 8354, 8287 and 8356 for raw milk, raw milk products and dairy products are being updated and we expect them to be made available this week. EHC 8358 and 8280, for colostrum based products will also be made available. 

 

The EHCs will be amended so there is no longer a requirement for animals providing the milk (or milk within the product) to have been resident in GB for three months prior to milking in the following circumstances: 

 

  • The animal has been imported into GB from an EU Member State

  • The animal has been imported into GB from another third country listed by the EU for the export of raw milk, colostrum or colostrum-based products and spent a combined total of three months in that third country and GB prior to milking

 

However, the EHCs require the Official Veterinarian (OV) to select whether the animal providing the milk has been resident either in GB or imported into GB from an EU Member State or a relevant third country. OVs may therefore require supporting information from processors to confirm which attestation the product complies with. We are continuing discussions with the EU on this and will be engaging further with the sector directly.  

 

In the meantime, you should consider using the old EHCs if you are unable to provide the relevant supporting information to your OV. Again please confirm that the BCP of entry will accept the old EHCs before using them. 

 

Poultry hatching eggs 

 

The hatching eggs of poultry AHR EHC 8436 is being updated and we expect it will available this week. The EU is revising the EHC so there is no longer a requirement for an OV to inspect the flocks of origin 24 hrs before loading for dispatch. 

 

The revised certificate will allow for either a clinical inspection of the flock(s) of origin of the hatching eggs 72 hours prior to the time of loading, or monthly clinical inspections of the flock(s) of origin supported by an evaluation of the current health status based upon operator records by the certifying OV, 72 hours prior to loading.  

 

As this EHCs will only be available for a short time prior to 15 January, the old hatching eggs EHC will remain available for now. Exporters should confirm that the BCP of entry will accept this old EHC before using it. 

 

Germinal Products 

 

We are still in discussions with the EU on amendments to the residency requirements for germinal products therefore a small number old EHCs for bovine and ovine germinal products will be still be available to use until 30 April 2022. These include EHCs 8201, 8202, 8203, 8208, 8209, 8210, 8211 and 8212.

 

Exporters should confirm that the BCP of entry will accept the old EHCs before using them.

 

Poultry meat and meat preparations 

 

The AHR EHCs for poultry meat and meat preparations require that birds do not pass within 10km of an Avian Influenza outbreak on route to slaughter. Due to the ongoing Avian Influenza (AI) outbreak, significant transport routes are within 10km of outbreaks. We are in discussions with the EU about this condition. 

 

In the meantime, the old EHC, 8296, for poultry meat and the old EHCs for meat preparations, 8256 and 8257  will be available for use. Exporters should confirm that the BCP of entry will accept the old EHCs before using them.

 

Re-export of meat products 

 

Traders will be unable to re-export certain EU origin products of animal origin using (POAO) the AHR EHCs. A new EHC for the re-export of POAO that is being imported from the EU and stored in GB without tampering or further processing has been created by the EU.

 

This new certificate does not cater for all types of re-export of EU POAO currently undertaken by GB traders and for certain meat products we are awaiting technical clarification from the EU as to whether the AHR EHCs can be used. For these products, the old EHCs will still be available to use until April 2022. This includes EHCs 8254 and 8255.  Exporters should confirm that the BCP of entry will accept the old EHCs before using them. 

 

Further AHR updates

 

Live animal EHCs 

 

The EU has confirmed its intention to recognise GB as free of bluetongue in legislation. The live animal EHCs 8446, 8447, 8448, 8449 and 8452 for live cattle, sheep and goats, which were removed from EHC online until this was resolved will be made available again this week. 

 

Private attestation – shelf-stable composite products 

 

The EU has updated the private attestation for shelf-stable composite products containing no meat. The revised attestation now allows for products containing pasteurised dairy content originating in GB, the EU or another similarly listed third country to be exported. This replaces the interim arrangement that has facilitated this trade since April 2021. The updated private attestation has been published so please ensure your EU importer is using the correct version. 

 

Further information 

 

There is further information about the AHR EHCs in the following guidance and information available on the trader showcase site:

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Trader Readiness Team 

GB-EU Exports Delivery 

Biosecurity, Borders and Trade Programme

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs 

 

Everyone at AIMS is here to support any members, please email if you have any questions.

 

MORE THAN EVER PLEASE STAY SAFE – STAY WELL

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Click Here to return to Members Area

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1st January

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

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Register for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) before full customs controls are introduced


Register for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) before full customs controls are introduced

 

AIMS has received the following correspondence from Trader Readiness Team, EU-GB Imports Delivery, Biosecurity, Borders and Trade Programme at The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs 

 

We wrote to you on 29 December about moving sensitive goods and are writing again today to highlight the immediate actions you need to take if you will be moving goods through border locations that use GVMS. 

Full customs controls will be in place from 1 January 2022, so HMRC is urging anyone who is going to be moving goods through GVMS ports to register for GVMS as soon as possible. This includes:

  • large retail businesses that transport and declare their own goods

  • logistics businesses hired to transport goods and complete customs processes on behalf of another business

  • independent drivers that transport goods and do their own customs paperwork

  • companies that sub-contract to pick up goods on behalf of another business

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To move goods through border locations that use GVMS, you must:

  • Register for GVMS now. You will need to use this system to create a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) for any goods you move between Great Britain (GB) and the European Union (EU).

  • Get a Goods Movement Record (GMR). Any movements (including empties) into GB from the EU (excluding Ireland), or to the EU from GB, started after 11.59pm GMT on 31 December 2021 must have a GMR. Without one, drivers will not be able to board the ferry or shuttle. 

  • Check if you need to report for an inspection of your goods using your GMR. If the goods you’re importing or exporting are selected for inspection, most ports will check the goods on site. Port of Dover and Eurotunnel require drivers to attend an inland border facility (IBF), as does Holyhead if you’re exporting goods from Great Britain.

 

The person who created the GMR (usually the haulier) must ensure the goods arrive at an IBF for a check and that their drivers are made aware, or have the means to check, if an inspection is required. The haulier and/or driver may be liable to a penalty of up to £2,500 if they fail to follow HMRC instructions to attend an IBF.


Support available 

Check GOV.UK for more information, but if you need more help on these requirements, you can call our Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300 322 9434 from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm at weekends, or contact us by webchat.

CIT helpline New Year opening hours:

 

  • 31 December: 8am to 10pm

  • 1-3 January: 8am to 4pm

  • 4 January onwards: normal opening hours

If you need urgent help with goods at the border outside of these hours, the helpline will divert your call to 24‌‌/7 support – choose option one on the helpline menu.

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Leaflets for hauliers about new rules for moving goods between the EU and Great Britain Click Here

 

'Moving goods from the EU to Great Britain' leaflet has now been published: Click Here

 

The information is also available in the following languages, though this is not in leaflet format.

 

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Everyone at AIMS is here to support any members, please email if you have any questions.

 

MORE THAN EVER PLEASE STAY SAFE – STAY WELL

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Click Here to return to Members Area

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27th October

DEFRA POAO Webinars - November 2021

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

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New requirements from January 2022 for Importing Products of Animal Origin (POAO) and Animal By-Products (ABP) from the European Union (EU) into Great Britain (GB)

 

As you’re aware, new requirements for importing products of animal origin and animal by products come into force from 1 January 2022. 

 

To support you with preparing for these changes, we will be hosting webinars from November 2021. 

 

These webinars will cover: 

 

  • New requirements from 1 January 2022 and the steps to undertake to continue importing from the EU

  • Pre-notification and the information you require to pre-notify using the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS). The webinar will also include a step-by-step demonstration of how to complete a pre-notification

  • Updated information on specific policies and commodities 

 

We have updated our microsite to include FAQs to questions from previous webinars and enquiries we’ve received directly from businesses. Please take some time to look at the microsite ahead of the webinars to check whether your questions have already been answered. 

 

Products of Animal Origin Click here

Composite Products (including the Composite Decision Tree) Click here

Animal by-Products Click here

Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS) Click here

 

There will be a short Q&A session at the end of each webinar. 

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The webinars will take place on:

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Resources available:

 

Key information and guidance is available on our microsite and on the Gov.uk webpages.

 

If you cannot find the information you need, please contact: traders@defra.gov.uk.

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20th July

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

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Commonwealth Week Export Events from 26th to 30th July 2021 

 

With one year to go until the Commonwealth Games 2022 join the team from the Department for International Trade (DIT) for a week of free virtual events to learn about opportunities for your business in a range of Commonwealth markets. 

 

Expect virtual 1:1 meetings with market and sector experts, peer to peer learning from Export Champions and market exploration webinars.

 

Background


Today’s 54 Commonwealth countries account for over 17% of world GDP in Purchasing Power Parity and contain 2.4 billion of the world’s 7½ billion people.

Even without any formal arrangements, trading between Commonwealth countries is 19% cheaper than with non-members.

 

Massive cost cuts come from shared history, cultural links, common legal systems, business practices, and a common language between many Commonwealth countries. 

 

This is also known as ‘the Commonwealth advantage’.

DIT want to support your business in exploring new and exciting markets across the Commonwealth. 

 

You can join a range of free events including....

 

Market Webinars: Explore the Commonwealth


From Monday 26th  - Friday 30th July 2021

Throughout the week you can also join a series of market awareness webinars including live and pre-recorded input from export experts in the following markets: Africa, South Asia, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Canada and Pakistan. 

 

During these sessions you will receive key insights into each market including export opportunities for UK businesses and what support is out there to help you access them.

 

The Webinars

 

A series of virtual events focusing on the various HMTC regions and formatted to provide delegates with the following marketing intelligence:

 

  • Brief overview of the region 

  • Impact of COVID-19 and implications for exporters 

  • Key sectors and markets of opportunity, size, scale of opportunity 

  • Top tips to bear in mind in doing business in this market (e.g. business culture – negotiation styles, how to build a successful relationship, important cultural factors) Common trade barriers and solutions 

  • Support available through DIT and/or delivery partners

 

Regions to be covered:

 

South Asia - Monday 26th July 09:30AM - 11:00AM

Covering; India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka

 

LATAC - Monday 26th July 15:00PM - 16:30PM

Covering; Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, The Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago

 

Africa - Tuesday 27 July 09:00AM - 10:30AM

Covering; Botswana, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia

 

Pakistan - Tuesday 27 July 11:00AM - 12:00PM

 

Canada - Tuesday 27 July 15:00PM - 16:00PM

 

Europe - Wednesday 28 July 14:00PM - 15:00PM

Covering; Cyprus, Malta

 

Asia Pacific - Thursday 29 July 09:00AM - 10:30AM

covering; Australia, Malaysia, Singapore

 

To Register for one or more of these webinars: Click Here

 

Game On: Explore the Commonwealth


From Monday 26th  - Friday 30th July 2021

 
Discover trade opportunities across the Commonwealth in this Meet the Expert event. 

 

Taking place throughout the week experienced exporters have the chance to request 1:1 meetings with expert advisers from markets across Africa, the Caribbean, South and South East Asia, Australia, Europe and Canada.

 

To Register for Game On events: Click Here

 

NOTE: Anyone from anywhere can attend these event. They are set up on the web pages as being West Midlands because the Commonwealth Games are going to be taking place in Birmingham in 2022

 

Exporting to the Commonwealth: Discovering Local Successes


Wednesday 28th July 2021, 09:30 - 12:00 (BST)

 
A unique chance to hear from six Export Champions from across the Midlands. 

 

They are business leaders from a range of different sectors with experience in some of the biggest Commonwealth markets. 

 

This is your chance to learn about their first-hand experiences along with top tips and challenges along the way. 

 

To Register for Exporting to the Commonwealth: Click Here

 

NOTE: Anyone from anywhere can attend this event. It is set up on the web pages as being West Midlands because the Commonwealth Games are going to be taking place in Birmingham in 2022

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Everyone at AIMS is here to support any members, please email if you have any questions.

 

MORE THAN EVER PLEASE STAY SAFE – STAY WELL

​

Click Here to return to Members Area

​

13th July

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

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Helping businesses to prepare for full Customs Control in January 2022 Click Here

 

More than 160,000 businesses will be receiving a letter from HMRC Click Here over the next week, explaining the steps they should take to ensure they can continue trading with the EU.

 

These include:

 

  • Making supplementary declarations

 

Businesses already importing goods using delayed declarations should get ready now to have everything in place to make supplementary declarations on time: Click Here

 

Traders need to decide whether to make their own declarations or get a customs intermediary to do it for them.

 

Traders using the delayed declarations process have 175 calendar days from the date of import from the EU, to make the supplementary declaration. 

 

They need to apply for a duty deferment account (DDA) and authorisation to use simplified declaration procedures now, if they have not already.

 

  • Appointing a customs intermediary

 

Businesses can find information online about how to get an expert to deal with customs paperwork for them: Click Here as well as an up-to-date list of customs intermediaries that can help them: Click Here

 

  • Export Health Certificate requirements

 

From 1st  October 2021, all products of animal origin, certain animal by-products and high-risk food not of animal origin will require pre-notification. 

 

Also, from this date, if traders haven’t made a full customs declaration for an exports consignment, their haulier or carrier will need to submit a standalone exit summary declaration Click Here providing safety and security information.

 

Government to boost support for Northern Ireland agri-food traders Click Here

 

Defra has announced  that traders moving agri-food from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will benefit from increased Government support until the end of 2023

 

The Movement Assistance Scheme helps traders by covering certain certification costs incurred when moving agri-food products.

 

Alongside the extension to the end of December 2023, the scheme will also be expanded to cover costs related to:

 

  • Scrapies testing for sheep exports

 

  • Sample testing and certification required for individual seed lots

 

  • the Plant Health Exports Audited Trader Scheme (PHEATS) (from 1st August)

 

  • Exporters in Great Britain who move organics solely to Northern Ireland, and Northern Irish importers who face new costs to receive these goods from Great Britain (from 1stAugust)

 

Authorised traders, such as supermarkets and their trusted suppliers, currently benefit from a grace period from certification requirements for products of animal origin, composite products, food and feed of non-animal origin and plants and plant products as well as organic products.

 

The Government has proposed a trusted trader scheme to the EU so that traders could benefit from streamlined certification requirements, without any compromise to existing high biosecurity standards on the island of Ireland.

 

HMRC Update

 

If you move goods between the UK and countries in the EU, you need to follow new customs and tax rules.

 

HMRC can help you, as we understand how challenging it can be for many businesses.

 

If you have a specific question about importing, exporting or customs reliefs you should call our Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300‌‌ ‌322‌‌ ‌9434. 

 

The helpline is open‌‌ ‌from 8am‌‌ ‌to‌‌ ‌10pm‌‌ ‌Monday‌‌ ‌to‌‌ ‌Friday and‌‌ ‌from 8am‌‌ ‌to‌‌ ‌4pm at‌‌ ‌week‌‌ends. 

 

You can also send HMRC questions or webchat Click Here

 

Other support available includes:

 

Check out the HMRC You Tube Channel Click Here where you can watch videos to familiarise yourself with the new customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU.

 

If you buy goods from the EU, or send or sell goods to the EU for your business, HMRC’s Rules of Origin recorded webinar Click Here will help you understand the process and what you need to do.

 

HMRC’s  live webinars explain existing guidance and give you the opportunity to ask general questions about the content. You can also see responses to other peoples’ questions and the guidance we signpost to for extra help and support.

 

They’re unable to answer questions specific to the items you import or export.

 

Importing - steps you need to take before making your supplementary declaration Click Here

 

Advice on what you need to do to be able to make a supplementary declaration and how intermediaries can help.

 

The next webinar will be on Friday 23rd July 09:45 to 10:45

 

To book your place: Click Here

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Customs Import Declarations: an overview of the whole declaration process

 

The next webinar will be on Thursday 22nd July 09:45 to 10:45

 

To book your place: Click Here

 

Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving Click Here

 

This webinar will cover:

 

  • Zero-rated VAT

 

  • Customs declarations

 

  • Using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations.

 

The next webinar will be on Friday 16th July 11:45 to 12:45

 

To book your place: Click Here

 

Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary Click Here

 

This webinar will explain your responsibilities if using an intermediary to complete import or export declarations.

 

The next webinar will be on Wednesday 21st July 13:45 to 14:45

 

To book your place: Click Here

 

There are also webinars and videos from other government departments: Click Here

 

You can also find the following:

 

Trader Checklist - Click Here

 

Updated Guides - Click Here

 

Customer Forums - Click Here

 

The Trader Support Service is also available if you’re moving goods between GB and Northern Ireland and use their suite of educational products, including online training modules and webinars for support with the Northern Ireland Protocol. For more information: Click Here

 

To sign up to HMRC’s weekly email updates on news and information about importing and exporting with the EU, providing hints and tips for businesses like yours, getting used to the new rules for importing and exporting Click Here

 

Everyone at AIMS is here to support any members, please email if you have any questions.

 

MORE THAN EVER PLEASE STAY SAFE – STAY WELL

​

Click Here to return to Members Area

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20th April

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

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Kent traffic management on M20 motorway to Dover and Eurotunnel Click Here

 

You no longer need a Kent Access Permit (KAP) to enter Kent

 

Check an HGV is ready to cross the border: translations Click Here

 

The translations for cross border drivers have been updated

 

 

NOTE: There is no Russian translation available

 

Haulier advice site locations Click Here

 

The current list of haulier advice sites has been updated along with the translations

 

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Everyone at AIMS is here to support any members, please email if you have any questions.

 

MORE THAN EVER PLEASE STAY SAFE – STAY WELL

​

Click Here to return to Members Area

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6th April

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

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Apply for a grant to help small and medium-sized businesses new to importing or exporting Click Here

 

The SME Brexit Support Fund could give you up to £2,000 to help with training or professional advice, if your business has up to 500 employees and no more than £100 million annual turnover.

 

You can use the grant for training on:

 

  • How to complete customs declarations

 

  • How to manage customs processes and use customs software and systems

 

  • Specific import and export related aspects including VAT, excise and rules of origin

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is administering the grants for HMRC.

 

Applications will close on 30 June 2021 or earlier if all funding is allocated before this date, so we suggest that members who are interested apply as soon as possible.

 

To Apply: Click Here

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Everyone at AIMS is here to support any members, please email if you have any questions.

 

MORE THAN EVER PLEASE STAY SAFE – STAY WELL

​

Click Here to return to Members Area

​

31st March

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

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SPS Borders and Boundaries GB-EU Exports & GB-NI movements


Introduction of Animal Health Regulations

 

There are changes to EU law from 21 April 2021 that will affect traders who move certain live animals, germinal products and products of animal origin to Northern Ireland, or who export them to the EU. All EU Export Health Certificates (EHCs) need to be updated to reflect the new rules, but this will be phased in between April and August 2021.  

 

The EU is also introducing new rules for the export of composite products with new EHCs for composite products and new documentation for composite products exempt from export heath certification. 

 

Including those for composites, a total of five new EHCs are needed from 21 April. 

 

The Animal Health Regulations will apply in Northern Ireland. Traders moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will need to ensure that they meet the new requirements too. 

 

Businesses on the Authorised Trader list moving goods from GB to NI will not be required to complete new composites EHCs or private attestations until the relevant phase of compliance comes into effect from 1 Oct 2021. Instead, their STAMNI (Scheme for Temporary Agri-food Movements to Northern Ireland) declarations will meet these requirements in the meantime, in line with the movement criteria. However, all goods moved by Authorised Traders from GB to NI must comply with the regulatory requirements for composite products.

 

All EU Export Health Certificates (EHCs) and Notes for Guidance are being updated to reflect the new rules by August 2021.  Only those needed for use by traders from 21 April will be available from April, on EHC Online (EHCO), with the remainder uploaded and available by August 2021.  

 

What does this mean for Traders from April 2021?

Certain composite products that currently do not need an EHC to be exported to the EU will now need one. Other composite products that are exempt from certification will require a new document, called a ‘private attestation’.

 

Traders can choose to use the existing composite product EHC, until August 2021, if under the current EU law, they need an EHC for export to the EU. Traders must use the new EHC if their product doesn’t currently require an EHC to be exported to the EU but will require an EHC from April under the new law. In that case, the option to use the old EHC is not available. 

 

From 1 April, traders will be able to view the new EHCs, and the accompanying Notes for Guidance, on EHC Online. These include:  

 

  • Three new products of animal origin (POAO) EHCs 

  • Two new composite EHCs 

  • A private attestation document for composites exempt from certification. 

 

Traders should familiarise themselves with the new EHCs and private attestation document to ensure they meet the new requirements. 

 

The new regulations also introduce EHCs for certain live animal species and germinal product exports for which there is currently no EU EHC. The final legislation is yet to be published and we will make these certificates available at the earliest opportunity once they are finalised by the EU.

 

We will continue to keep businesses informed about the phasing of the new EHCs and will provide guidance and information so they can be prepared for these changes.

 

Help and Support 

 

We are running a series of Q&A webinars with an expert panel to explain what these changes mean for those exporting to the EU or moving goods to NI. 

 

The dates of webinars and links to register are set out in the table below followed by links to a further information, comprehensive set of FAQs and the Composite Products Decision Tree.  

 

Title of webinar

Q&As for Traders 

 

Description

Panel of experts from Defra will answer Traders’ questions on composite products

 

Who should attend?

Traders who export composites to EU and Northern Ireland 

​

Dates available

Wednesday 7 April 10-11.30am - Click here to register

Thursday 8 April 1-2.30pm - Click here to register

Tuesday 13 April 12.30 -2.00pm - Click here to register

 

  • The new composite EHCs and Notes for guidance will be available to view on form finder from 1 April 2021

  • Further information about requirements for April 2021, new composite product rules and NI movements click here

  • Frequently Asked Questions click here

  • Composite Product Decision Tree – click here to help you determine whether your product is a composite or not. 

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Instructions for registering for the live Q&A sessions:

 

  • Please choose the live Q&As webinar/s you wish to attend from the list above 

  • To join your chosen webinar/s, simply select the link in the ‘Register here’ column at your preferred time and date

  • Once selected, you will be asked to confirm your name, email address, and organisation.

  • This will register you for the webinar for the live Q&A with our expert panel 

  • Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email that will include a link to add the live Q&A webinar to your calendar

  • You do not need to download any software to access the webinar, the link will open in your browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge etc.)

  • Please join your chosen webinar/s 5 minutes prior to the start time.

 

Kind regards,

 

Trader Readiness Team | GB-NI Movements & GB-EU Exports Delivery Projects

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs 

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Everyone at AIMS is here to support any members, please email if you have any questions.

 

MORE THAN EVER PLEASE STAY SAFE – STAY WELL 

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Click Here to return to Members Area

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2nd March

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

 

At last week’s FDF Industry Roundtable DEFRA staff gave a presentation on changes to the customs requirements using the Trade Support Service for movements into Northern Ireland. The presentation can be downloaded here along with a copy of a letter being sent to all Trader Support Services users.

 

Defra responses to questions on Export Health Certificates

 

Can we confirm the date and time that the certificates will switch over?

We are working on getting all the EHCs ready, but the EU Commission has not yet published all of them, and we will be prioritising accordingly.

 

What happens to goods that are in transit at this time?

The EU legislation allows for goods that are already in transit to be accepted for a period accompanied by the old i.e. current certs, if they meet all the requirements.

 

Will these changes apply to movement of goods from GB to NI?

Yes. The Animal Health Law (AHL) will apply to the movement of all relevant goods GB to NI after the end of the grace period.

 

Are the support attestations that will be needed publicly available?

The EU have published all of the certs for POAO that will be required for export: Click Here

 

Will the current exemption for food supplements considered to be composites from health checks at BCPs be reflected in UK legislation for food supplements coming into GB from the EU?

Response pending 

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Webinars – using Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed Systems (IPAFFS) Click Here

 

From 1st  April 2021, there will be a further set of changes coming into effect on imports of products of animal origin (POAO) for human consumption.

 

These changes affect imports of food and drink containing animal products and further details are being provided as part of the existing SPS Borders & Boundaries Programme Trader Readiness Sessions Click Here

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To support with accessing IPAFFS they will also hold a walkthrough of the IPAFFS Registration process Click Here

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Department for International Trade (DIT) – tariff suspension further information: 

 

In December last year, legislation was laid to implement the UK Global Tariff (UKGT). This included legislation implementing the UK’s independent duty suspensions regime. 

 

The UK will be opening its first suspensions business application window around May 2021. In order to ensure that the suspensions application window is tailored to businesses, 

 

DIT is conducting a stakeholder engagement exercise. The objective of this exercise is to gather views from interested stakeholders on what the new UK suspensions business application process should look like. 

 

Feedback may result in DIT altering the process to ensure that it is fully suited to the needs of UK businesses and consumers. 

 

DIT would be particularly interested to hear your views on: 

 

Default length of suspensions under the UK suspensions regime? (EU suspensions are generally either 3 or 5 years in length)

Duty savings threshold under the UK suspensions regime? (amount that would be saved per annum if suspension applied – currently set at £10,000)

Business application cycle/process? (the EU has two application cycles per year but the process tends to take around 12 months from notification to implementation)

Any further thoughts

 

Please submit any views in writing to tariffsuspensions@trade.gov.uk. Alternatively, we would be happy to set up a 121 conversation; please also contact tariffsuspensions@trade.gov.uk to do so.

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Everyone at AIMS is here to support any members, please email if you have any questions.

 

MORE THAN EVER PLEASE STAY SAFE – STAY WELL

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Click Here to return to Members Area

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25th February

Grow your business through exports

 

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

 

The international trade secretary, Rt.Hon. Liz Truss MP has announced a new £2m “Open Doors” campaign to help get food producers exporting.

 

In her speech to the NFU Conference earlier this week: Click Here she said:

 

“Earlier this month, I virtually visited with my Board of Trade the Foyle Food Group, the largest single dedicated beef processor in the United Kingdom, which has spearheaded exports into the United States.

 

Their recent shipment from Northern Ireland marked the first time we have been able to export UK beef there for over 20 years.

 

Foyle now supplies high-quality British meat to leading retailers, restaurants and butchers across the world, from Japan to Canada.

 

Such deals support the jobs of Foyle’s 1,300 staff and the over 5,000 farmers it works with.

 

We want to unleash the potential of many more businesses, which is why we are today announcing the “Open Doors” export campaign for British food and drink.”

 

To read the full details of the support that you business can access: Click Here these include:

 

  • Virtual Events: Agriculture, Food and Drink Events for UK Businesses Click Here Hear from and ask questions with experts and attend vertical buyer events.

 

  • Internationalisation Fund now open for businesses in England Click Here Provides details of match funded grants of up to £9,000 from DIT to help your business get started.

 

  • Find your local trade office Click Here Within each office there is now an international trade advisor.

 

  • Selling online Click Here Cross-border e-commerce is the fastest-growing segment of international trade. DIT’s E-exporting Programme can help your business leverage international e-commerce opportunities.

 

  • UK Export Finance Click Here If you’ve got a viable export opportunity, our Export Finance Managers can work with you to find the right trade finance or insurance

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Everyone at AIMS is here to support any members, please email if you have any questions.

 

MORE THAN EVER PLEASE STAY SAFE – STAY WELL

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18th February

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

 

Webinars for importers of food and drink products from the EU to Great Britain Click Here

 

You’ll need to follow new rules on importing the following products from the EU to GB from 1st April 2021

 

Defra is hosting a series of free webinars in February and March to:

  • Explain what actions you must take to continue to import these products from the EU into GB from 1 April 2021

  • Help you find guidance on how to meet the new requirements

  • Give you useful links to essential information

  • Give you the opportunity to have your questions answered by Defra officials

 

For further information you can:

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Importing - What you need to know about staged controls

 

There is a YouTube film on Importing: What you need to know about Staged Controls. To watch Click Here

 

Webinars and videos for organisations that trade with the EU Click Here

 

Webpage updated to link to 'Video explainers on 18 topics including importing and exporting, trade, data, and audit and accounting (BEIS)'.

 

Recordings of Webinars for exporters of products of animal origin, live animals, plants and plant products to the EU

 

Export POAO and live animals

 

The webinars for exporters of live animals and POAO will:

 

  • Explain what actions you must take to export these products from GB to the EU

  • Help you find guidance on how to meet new requirements

  • Give you useful links to essential information

 

This webinar is for exporters of POAO from GB to the EU.

 

You can watch the video of the session on YouTube: Click Here

 

Composite goods

 

This webinar is for exporters of composite goods from GB to the EU.

 

You can watch the video of the session on YouTube: Click Here

 

Live animals or livestock

 

This webinar is for exporters of live animals from GB to the EU.

 

You can watch the video of the session on YouTube: Click Here

 

Export Health Certificate(EHC) and the online service

 

These webinars will cover:

 

  • Why and when you need an EHC and how to get one

  • How to register for the EHC online service

  • A demonstration of the EHC service

  • The role of a Certifying Officer

  • Where you can get support and advice lines available

  • How to apply for Phytosanitary certificate

  • How you register and use eDomero

 

To view the webinars: Click Here

 

Rules of origin

 

This webinar is about tariffs and rules of origin for agri-food goods moving between the UK and EU.

 

You can watch the video of the session on YouTube: Click Here

 

Everyone at AIMS is here to support any members, please email if you have any questions.

 

MORE THAN EVER PLEASE STAY SAFE – STAY WELL

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5th February

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

 

We have just received 3 reports that have been written for DEFRA and the Department for International Trade by Promar International looking at the opportunities for food and drink exports to India, UAE and USA

 

The reports look at 5 main areas:

 

  1. To understand the food and drink sectors within the target markets, and given production within these markets as well as their current food and drink imports, to understand what could represent an opportunity for UK businesses looking to export into these markets.

  2. To obtain information on the food and drink sectors of these countries with regard to retail market size, market subsectors, company market shares, brand market shares, market growth opportunities, and consumer attitudes.

  3. To understand what acts as barriers to exporting UK food and drink products to these countries, with particular consideration given to commercial practices, regulatory frameworks and consumer preferences. Also, given the size of some of these markets, consideration will need to be given to how this can vary between different regions within these markets whilst also highlighting emerging and future trends in these markets.

  4. To understand and identify who the consumers of specific UK food and drink products are likely to be in a given market, with regards to geographical location, income group and other important demographic factors.

  5. To make the completed research reports available to policymakers and the wider industry. Given this, it is also important that the research provides details on the export opportunities available to small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

The reports are quite large and are in two parts, a Summary and the full report. These will be placed in the Export section of the AIMS website (this is in the Members Resources area) later today.

 

In the meantime, you may wish to down load your copies from the links below:

 

Technical Report India: Click Here   

Technical Summary India: Click Here   


Technical Report UAE: Click Here   

Technical Summary UAE: Click Here   


Technical Report USA: Click Here   
Technical Summary: Click Here   

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Everyone at AIMS is here to support any members, please email if you have any questions.

 

MORE THAN EVER PLEASE STAY SAFE – STAY WELL 

​

Click Here to return to Members Area

​

19th January

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Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

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COVID-19 testing for HGV drivers using the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel Click Here

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Hauliers now need a negative COVID-19 test result before travelling to France, Denmark and the Netherlands

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The rules cover:

  • HGV drivers or crew

  • Vans or other light goods vehicle (LGV) drivers

​​

International road haulage: HGV driver documents Click Here

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Updated the section on coronavirus (COVID-19) testing to link through to a list of countries which require negative test results before you enter them Click Here

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Moving goods through the Port of Holyhead  Click Here  (For Welsh Translation Click Here)

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Information about transporting live animals under an ATA Carnet has been updated

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If you are transporting live animals under an ATA Carnet, you will need to tell Border Force as this will help them to prioritise the processing of your ATA Carnet.

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When your crossing is confirmed, you will need to let Border Force know when you expect to arrive at Road King Truckstop. Sat Nav: LL65 2YQ  To see location on Google Maps: Click Here

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You must do this at least 24 hours before you’re due to arrive.

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Email Border Force at: BFHolyhead@HomeOffice.gov.uk

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If you’re a UK trader transporting live animals you’ll need to lodge a travel plan with Defra before you start your journey.

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Haulier advice site locations Click Here

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Clacket Lane eastbound and Orwell Crossing Truck Stop are now offering COVID testing

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To find your nearest haulier advice site and sites offering Covid testing: Click Here

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For the current map showing all haulier advice sites: Click Here  NOTE: The map now includes details of which sites offer COVID testing. Marked as Red dots

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Haulier advice and site locations are available in the following languages:

Bulgarian - Click Here

Dutch - Click Here

French - Click Here

German - Click Here

Polish - Click Here

Romanian - Click Here

Russian - Click Here

Spanish - Click Here

Welsh - Click Here

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The pre-lodgement model for controlling goods from the EU into Great Britain Click Here

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The pre-lodgement model to control goods from the EU into Great Britain will come into operation from 1st  July 2021 and maybe of interest to embers bringing frozen products into the UK

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The policy paper Click Here out:

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  • How the pre-lodgement will work

  • The steps that operators of a frontier location need to take to prepare for these changes

 

Help and support for UK transition Click Here

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Click Here to return to Members Area

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7th January

Export Update

 

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

 

Haulier advice site locations Click Here

 

7 more haulier advice and information sites are now offering COVID testing:

 

  • Charnock Richard Services northbound

  • Truck Haven (Carnforth)

  • The Stockyard Truckstop Rotherham

  • Woodall northbound

  • Leicester Forest East northbound

  • Beaconsfield

  • Sutton Scotney northbound.

 

In addition, Rownhams northbound is now offering COVID-19 testing from 6am until 10pm

 

For the full up to list of all haulier advice sites including those with Covid Testing: Click Here

 

For a copy of the map showing all haulier advice sites (This doesn’t show which are also offering Covid-testing) Click Here

 

Trading with the UK: exporting animals and animal products to the UK Click Here

 

The UK Office of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Trade Assurance will co-ordinate SPS trade assurance in the UK to ensure trading partners meet import conditions for food and feed safety and standards and for animal health and welfare.

 

Different procedures may apply in Northern Ireland to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) because Northern Ireland is aligned with the EU through the Northern Ireland Protocol on SPS matters.

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The Border Operating Model Click Here

 

The links concerning Rules of Origin have been updated

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Click Here to return to Members Area

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4th January

Export Update

 

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

 

COVID-19 testing for HGV drivers using the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel Click Here

 

Five more haulier advice sites are now open and offering free Covid-19 tests for drivers of HGVs, light goods vehicles and vans heading for the crossings into the EC.

 

REMINDER: HGV, light goods vehicles and van drivers heading to any port crossing to France must display proof of an authorised negative COVID test, conducted within 72 hours prior to travel.

This has been mandated by the UK and French governments

 

Haulier advice site locations Click Here

Eight new haulier advice sites are now offering Coronavirus testing:

 

  • Heywood Distribution Truck Stop

  • Thurrock Services

  • Hartshead Moor (Huddersfield)

  • Formula Services (Ellesmere Port)

  • Sandbach Southbound

  • Cherwell Valley

  • Membury Eastbound

  • Junction 38 Services on the M6 at Penrith

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To find your nearest haulier advice and Covid testing sites: Click Here

 

For an up to date map of Haulier advice sites: Click Here

 

International road haulage: HGV and trailer documents Click Here

 

The web page details the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and trailer documents you need to legally cross international borders in a UK-registered vehicle.

 

This has been updated with a new section on using a vehicle security checklist to record the checks you do to stop people using your vehicle to enter the UK illegally: Click Here

 

DEFRA Helpline Number:

 

Exports of animal, animal products (where export health certificate needed) and imports of live animals

 

For Urgent in transit issues call: 0300 020 0301


The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm

 

Or email: defra.helpline@defra.gov.uk

 

Click Here to return to Members Area

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3rd January

Transition Update

 

Please circulate this update to all relevant staff within your business.

 

AIMS objective is to help members who are exporting to avoid the ‘bumps in the road’ so we hope that this and other Brexit related updates are of use. Please contact us if there is a particular issue that you want us to help you with.

 

Government opens further COVID-19 testing locations for hauliers heading to France Click Here

 

10 new testing centres for HGV drivers open across country, with more to open over course of week, as Army is deployed to offer support

 

These new sites will open on Sunday 3rd January with further sites added during the coming week

 

The sites will be open from 6am to 10pm 7 days per week.

 

For a full list of the sites: Click Here

 

Additional support for haulage firms to establish their own testing centres at depots, with kits provided free of charge

 

HGVs using Dover and Eurotunnel will get fast-tracked past queues if they get tested before arriving in Kent

 

Hauliers urged to ensure all correct documentation, including Kent Access Permits Click Here, in order before arriving in Kent to ensure they can cross the channel

 

Haulier advice site locations Click Here

 

At the Department for Transport’s haulier advice sites HGV drivers can:

  • Find out about the rules and documents needed to move goods between the UK and EU

  • Complete a free border readiness check to ensure they have the correct documentation to cross the EU border

  • Get help using the Check an HGV is ready to cross the border service: Click Here

  • HGV drivers can also use the free live webchat function to complete a border readiness check between 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week: Click Here

 

For a full list of Haulier advice site locations (Including those with Covid testing): Click Here

 

For a copy of the current map of Haulier advice site locations: Click Here

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UPDATE 09:30 Sunday 3rd January Haulier advice site locations Click Here

 

5 more advice sites are now offering COVID-19 testing:

 

  • Burtonwood

  • Fleet southbound

  • Hopwood Park

  • Leicester Forest East southbound

  • Rothwell Truck Stop

 

AIMS Update LIVE

 

AIMS will be holding a further EU Transition Zoom call on Wednesday 6th January 2021 at 9am. Details will be sent out tomorrow.

 

Click Here to return to Members Area

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2nd January

 

With the UK no longer a member of the EU the Government have published 300+ guidance updates. We have worked through these to produce this update which covers those which are relevant to members.

 

Food and drink businesses: working with the EU Click Here

 

DEFRA have created a single portal showing what you need to do as a food and drink business to work with the EU. The page covers the following areas and provides links to Government information sources:-

 

 

Export or move livestock and poultry Click Here

 

The APHA have published guidance that applies to businesses in Great Britain (GB) (England, Scotland and Wales) who are exporting or moving livestock (sheep, cattle, pigs and goats) or poultry to, or through:

 

  • The EU

  • Non-EU countries

  • Northern Ireland (NI)

 

You need an export health certificate (EHC) to export livestock and poultry.

 

The guidance covers:

 

  • General exporting rules - Click Here

  • Register for the poultry health scheme - Click Here

  • Quarantine rules for livestock and poultry - Click Here

  • Export or move livestock or poultry to the EU or NI - Click Here

  • Documents to transport livestock or poultry - Click Here

  • Export to non-EU countries - Click Here

  • Welfare standards for transporting livestock and poultry - Click Here

 

Importing or moving live animals, animal products and high risk food and feed not of animal origin Click Here

 

This guidance applies to businesses in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) importing or moving live animals, animal products and high risk food and feed not of animal origin from:

 

  • The EU

  • Northern Ireland (NI)

 

This is a joint DEFRA / APHA publication detailing the checks you need to make, the documents you need and how to notify the authorities for live animals, animal products and high risk food or feed not of animal origin. It covers the following:

 

  • Check if your animal product import must come from an approved establishment - Click Here

  • Check what documents you need - Click Here

  • Importing ABP and products of animal origin (POAO) - Click Here

  • Import live animals and germinal products - Click Here

  • Import non-harmonized animals such as reptiles, amphibians (except salamanders) and invertebrates (except bees, molluscs and crustaceans) - Click Here

  • Import from an EU country from 1 April 2021 - Click Here

  • Import from an EU country from 1 July 2021 - Click Here

  • Check if you need to notify APHA - Click Here

  • When your consignment arrives - Click Here

  • Documents to transport live animals from EU to GB - Click Here

  • Documents to transport live animals from NI to GB - Click Here

  • Transiting live animals through GB - Click Here

  • Animal welfare when importing live animals - Click Here

  • Imports from the EU to NI - Click Here

  • Movements from NI to GB - Click Here

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Using the UKNI marking Click Here

 

The Northern Ireland Protocol came into force on 1st January 2021. For as long as it is in force, Northern Ireland will align with all relevant EU rules relating to the placing on the market of manufactured goods. You must show that your products meet those rules by using ‘conformity markings.’

 

The UKNI marking is a new conformity marking for products placed on the market in Northern Ireland which have undergone mandatory third-party conformity assessment by a body based in the UK. This guidance explains how to use the UKNI marking (sometimes referred to as the UK(NI) mark or the UK(NI) indication).

 

This guidance from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy covers:

 

 

If you have any queries or require further assistance regarding the UKNI marking, please email: goodsregulation@beis.gov.uk

 

Protected geographical food and drink names: UK applications and consultations Click Here

 

DEFRA have produced a new portal to bring together all information in relation to Geographic Indication (GI).

 

This covers:

 

  • Application requests - Click Here

  • Applications: open consultations - Click Here

  • Substantial change requests: open consultations - Click Here

  • Cancellation requests: open consultations - Click Here

  • Consultation decisions and how to appeal - Click Here

 

Farming businesses: working after Brexit transition Click Here

 

With some members having farming interests we felt that this new information portal from DEFRA will be of use to them. The site covers:

 

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Click Here to return to Members Area

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1st January

Export Update

 

A few links promised to members on various issues first:

 

Other things to note:

 

Defra helplines open Friday 1st to the close Sunday 3rd January 2021

Exports of animal, animal products (where export health certificate needed) and imports of live animals

For Urgent in transit issues
0300 020 0301
Open 8:30am to 5pm

 

Asking FSA to use your own vet

These are the questions you will be asked, so when you email your ITL to ask, supply this information straight away:

  • Type of commodities you are looking to export to EU?

  • Specific day(s)/hour in the week?

  • Export direct from your plant to EU? Or through a cold store?

  • Species and quantities?

  • Boxed/exposed?

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Some technical clarifications from Defra

​

1) Vets signing EHCs and SHAs

An Official Veterinarian (OV) must act within the remit of the Royal College of Surgeons Principles of Certification and the Official Controls Regulation (OCR) as retained within UK law. As indicated in the Notes for Guidance produced alongside each Export Health Certificate, an OV can place reliance upon health and ID marks for certain matters, but they cannot do so for all statements within a certificate. In other areas, direct personal knowledge of processes undertaken, or evidence from either the Food Business Operator or another suitably authorised individual will be required. Product that has already been produced and is due to be exported after January 1st is no different in this regard.  

 

A Support Health Attestations (SHAs) is an optional document which can enable a vet to receive information regarding the animal health and traceability information associated with a product from another suitably authorised individual. This enables one suitably authorised individual at one premises to provide supporting information to aid certification to a certifying OV elsewhere. In no circumstance is the use of an SHA mandatory. The SHA template provided by Defra is for guidance purposes.

 

Ultimately it will be up to industry and OVs to set up efficient processes that can demonstrate audit trail and consistency in the certifying process.

 

The communications provided by Defra throughout has been very clear - that products of animal origin (POAO) that enter the EU from 1st Jan 2021 must be fully certified as a third country import.

 

2) Cleaning & disinfecting (C&D) of vehicles needing appropriate attestation

The EHC for meat of porcine, ovine, caprine and bovine origin contains an animal health attestation relating to cleansing and disinfecting of vehicles that states that “regarding meat obtained from animals which have been transported from their holdings in vehicles, cleansed and disinfected before loading, to an approved slaughterhouse without contact with other animals…”.

 

It is a statutory requirement in article 3 part 4 of the Transport of Animals (Cleansing and Disinfection) (England) (No 3) Order 2003 (as amended) and equivalent legislation in Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland that “No person shall use, or cause or permit the use of, any means of transport to transport any animal to which this regulation applies, unless it has been cleansed and disinfected in accordance with Schedule 2 since it was last used to transport any animal or anything which may give rise to the transmission of a disease affecting animals”.

 

We are in the process of updating the Notes for Guidance to more clearly reflect the fact that there is an existing legal obligation for C&D under domestic UK law which certifiers may choose to rely upon when completing the EHC, alongside other evidence.

 

The Notes For Guidance (NFG) for these EHCs will state that C&D for means of transport may be certified on the basis of compliance with the legal requirements of the Transport of Animals (Cleansing and Disinfection) (England) (No. 3) Order 2003 (as amended) and equivalent legislation in Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland.

 

General Licences for movement of livestock (under Disease Control Orders) contain the obligation of compliance with such C&D legal requirements as per link provided: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/general-licence-for-the-movement-of-pigs-sheep-and-goats

 

3) Surge capacity to support export health certification

Defra, APHA and Food Standards Agency have put in place a system to enable to the provision of surge capacity where resource allows. This will support specific shortages of certifiers that may arise in the short term.

 

Food Business Operators (FBO) contacting you regarding certification should be directed towards the Gov.uk page to Find a Certifier in the first instance. Any FBO contacting APHA via the details indicated on this page will be directed to private certification providers. It is via these providers that any Government resource, if available, will be deployed.

 

The FSA have written to FBOs separately on their ability to support certification with in-plant OVs and this process remains separate to that referenced above. However, if support was not available via this route, the APHA process could be engaged.

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Latest update from Cabinet Office on the situation at the Borders

 

Dear Stakeholder,

 

As you are aware, the transition period came to an end at 11pm last night, with the UK leaving the European Union’s Customs Union and Single Market. New processes for goods crossing the border, as set out in the Border Operating Model, came into effect at that time. We are pleased to report that all the required systems and infrastructure are online and operating as envisaged; and that there have been no incidents of note in the first hours of operating the new border arrangements.

 

Traffic has, of course, been lighter than usual today and we expect that to continue over the weekend. We will remain vigilant in terms of levels of compliance with new requirements and would welcome early notification from all stakeholders of emerging issues. The Border Operations Centre is now up and running 24/7 and monitoring flow rates, compliance with new requirements, and Kent Access Permit issues, working hand in glove with Kent Resilience Forum and other key partners.  

 

As flagged in yesterday’s weekly stakeholder bulletin, during the first half of January (4th to 15th) we will be inviting stakeholders to calls which will enable us to update on the live state of play at the border and take immediate feedback in terms of what you are seeing on the ground.

 

Covid-19 testing for HGV drivers using Dover or Eurotunnel

Reminder: the Department for Transport has published guidance for HGV drivers requiring a Covid-19 test before entering France. Guidance can be found here. We strongly recommend reviewing the guidance prior to making a journey as it may be subject to change/update. All HGV drivers should also have registered on the Check an HGV is ready to cross the Border service to apply for a Kent Access Permit. The driver could be stopped and fined up to £300 for entering Kent without having a Kent Access Permit, or for making false declarations when travelling to the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel.

 

Current situation in neighbouring EU Member States including IT systems changes

Confirmation this morning that:

  • France - SI Brexit is fully operational since midnight (CET) 31 Dec 2020, no problems identified.

  • Spain - all IT systems working well and all necessary changes had been made in time. First GB - ES ferry not until 4 Jan 2021.

  • The Netherlands - Portbase working well ditto IT changes made in time. Useful (new) link for  help and advice https://nh.douane.nl/en/

  • Belgium - Paper Less Douane Accises (PLDA) system is updated and there are no problems identified. RX Seaport also working fine for Port of Zeebrugge.

  • Ireland - Customs RoRo Service and Automated Import Service (AIS) both working and updated.

 

Helplines

If you or your members / customers have enquiries, they should go to gov.uk/transition or they can use the following helpline numbers:

  • HMRC Customs & International Trade Helpline - 0300 322 9434. Opening hours here.

  • HMRC VAT / Imports and Exports General Enquiries - 0300 200 3700. Opening hours here.

  • Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

    • Vehicle operator licensing enquiries - 0300 123 9000. Opening hours here.

    • International Road Haulage Permits - 0330 678 1117. Opening hours here.  

  • Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) - 0300 1000 313. Further details here.

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