Bringing Fresh Food into the UK from the EU: What You Need to Know
If you’re a fan of fresh European produce, or perhaps you run a business that relies on importing food from the EU to the UK, you’ve probably wondered how the whole process works now that the UK has left the European Union. Importing fresh food can seem tricky, especially with rules changing after Brexit, but don’t worry – here’s an easy-to-understand guide to get you up to speed.
1. Customs Declarations: More Paperwork Than Before
Before Brexit, importing food from the EU to the UK was pretty straightforward. But now, when bringing fresh food into the UK, you’ll need to make customs declarations. This means filling out some paperwork that tells the UK authorities what goods you’re bringing in, their value, and their origin.
These declarations are submitted to UK Border Force or HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and can often be done electronically. It’s important to get this right, as failing to declare your goods correctly could result in fines or delays.
2. Phytosanitary Certificates for Plant-based Products
One of the biggest changes after Brexit is that certain plant-based products, like fruit, vegetables, and flowers, now require a phytosanitary certificate. This certificate proves that the produce you’re importing is free from pests and diseases and complies with UK plant health standards.
Depending on where you’re importing from, you might need to get the certificate from the authorities in the EU country of origin. Once the produce reaches the UK, it might also undergo checks at the border to make sure everything is in order.
3. Temperature-Controlled Shipments: Keep it Fresh!
Fresh food, especially perishable items like meat, dairy, and seafood, needs to be kept at the right temperature throughout its journey. When importing, you’ll need to ensure that your shipment is properly refrigerated or otherwise temperature-controlled.
For meat and dairy, the UK has specific rules about what temperature these goods should be kept at during transport. You’ll also need to show that your shipment complies with hygiene and safety standards, which can involve additional paperwork and checks at the border.
4. VAT and Tariffs: Know the Costs
When importing fresh food from the EU, you’ll need to consider the cost of VAT (Value Added Tax) and any potential tariffs. While many food products are zero-rated for VAT, others, like alcohol or certain types of processed foods, might be subject to VAT charges.
Since Brexit, the UK and the EU have different customs and VAT systems. As a result, you may have to pay VAT on certain items when they enter the UK, even if they were previously VAT-exempt in the EU. On top of that, some food items may be subject to import tariffs – so it’s important to check ahead of time to know what fees you might be facing.
5. Delays: Be Prepared
Even though the UK and the EU are close neighbours, customs checks can still cause delays. Fresh food, especially produce with a short shelf life, may face holdups at the border. It’s worth factoring in extra time for these potential delays, as the UK’s border infrastructure might be stretched with increased checks on all imports.
To avoid major delays, many businesses rely on customs brokers – professionals who handle the logistics and paperwork for you, speeding up the process and ensuring you’re fully compliant with the regulations.
6. Online Shopping and Personal Imports: What About Us?
If you’re ordering fresh food from the EU for personal use (say, through an online shop or direct from a supplier), the rules are a bit more relaxed, but still important to know. You’ll still need to deal with customs duties and VAT, and your food could be subject to checks.
Importantly, not all fresh food is allowed into the UK for personal use. For instance, certain meat, dairy, or plant products may be restricted, especially if they come from areas where diseases like Foot and Mouth or Avian Flu are present. Always check the latest guidelines before placing an order from abroad.
7. The Importance of Traceability and Food Safety
The UK has very strict food safety standards, and when you import fresh food, it’s crucial to ensure that it complies with these standards. Traceability is key – meaning that, in the event of a food safety issue, authorities should be able to trace the origin of the product, from farm to fork.
When importing fresh food, make sure your supplier complies with the UK’s food safety regulations. Whether it’s meeting hygiene standards or ensuring the food is correctly labelled with ingredients, allergens, and best-before dates, it’s important to keep everything transparent.
Wrapping Up
Importing fresh food from the EU to the UK is still very much possible, but it does require more planning, paperwork, and understanding of the rules than before Brexit. Whether you’re running a business or just bringing in some delicious European produce for yourself, the key is to stay informed about customs regulations, plant health checks, and any potential delays.
By staying ahead of these requirements and working with trusted partners, you can continue to enjoy the best of European food, while keeping everything fresh and hassle-free. Happy importing!
