New imports phasing timeline announced
Following the government announcing a new timetable for introducing full import controls for goods being imported from the EU to the UK, Defra has therefore announced a revised timetable for the introduction of plant health controls.
Since 1 January 2021, phytosanitary certificates and pre-notification have been required to accompany EU imports of high-priority plants and plant products. Documentary, identity and physical checks of these goods have been carried out at Places of Destination.
From 1 January 2022, the requirement for pre-notification will be extended to all regulated plants and plant products (ie not just those which are ‘high-priority’). This is not a change on the previous timetable.
From 1 July 2022, physical and identity checks of high-priority plants and plant products will move from Places of Destination to Border Control Posts (BCPs).
From 1 July 2022, the requirement for phytosanitary certificates will be extended to all regulated plants and plant products (i.e., not just those which are ‘high-priority’), and they will be subject to physical and ID checks at BCPs.