Import Controls
Certain food and feed commodities which are imported into the EU may present additional risks within the food chain. Therefore, several important checks and systems have been put in place to ensure that the integrity of the agri-food chain in the EU is maintained. These checks and systems will also be applicable if these commodities land in the UK (following the end of the transition period) and are subsequently transported into the Republic of Ireland. Importers of these commodities are required to be registered with the DAFM using the link to the online registration form below.
Regulation (EU) No 2017/625 on official food and feed controls provides for the drawing up of specific rules to govern the importation into the EU of these commodities. These new rules, and the list of food and feed of non-animal origin from certain third countries, are set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793, and came into effect on December 14, 2019.
Annex I and II to Regulation 2019/1793 are reviewed or amended on a regular basis not exceeding a period of six months. Commodities can be added or deleted, and the frequency of physical checks (sampling and analysis) can be increased or decreased. Commodities listed in the current amending legislation Regulation 2022/913 of 30 May 2022 (amends 2019/1793) can only enter the country through a Border Control Post (BCP) i.e. Dublin Port, Dublin Airport or Rosslare Port.
Annex II (a) of the amending legislation prohibits the importation of certain food of non-animal origin from certain third countries into the EU.
For commodities where the associated risk relates to pesticide residue contamination, Part 1 of Common Health Entry Document D (CHED-D) must be created in TRACES NT by the importer/agent. All documentation required to accompany each consignment must be submitted to the DAFM Imports Portal at least 1 working day prior to the estimated date of arrival. Consignments cannot be released by Customs until DAFM officials have carried out the required checks. A link to a guidance document on the use of the DAFM Imports Portal is located below.
On completion of the above documentary check by the DAFM, Part 2 of the CHED-D is completed. A copy of the validated CHED-D is forwarded to the Customs Service confirming the documentary check is in order and the consignment(s) can be released for free circulation.
Physical checks (sampling and analysis) will be carried out on some consignments at the frequency specified in Annex I and II of Regulation 2019/1793 as amended. Consignments selected for physical checks cannot be released for free circulation until the results of analyses become available, indicating no breach of pesticide residue legislation.
In order to import any of the above commodities, you must be registered with DAFM. The Department's online registration form here provides a quick and easy way to register to import or export.
For any queries on completing the registration process, contact BrexitRegistration@agriculture.gov.ie
Please email pcs_icon@agriculture.gov.ie is you wish to contact the Pesticide Controls Division.