Import Controls
Import controls for certain food and feed
Certain food and feed of non‑animal origin imported into the EU can carry extra risks in the food chain. To protect consumers and the agri‑food system, these products are subject to stricter import controls under EU law.
Key requirements for importers
If you import commodities listed in Regulation (EU) 2026/1206 of 9 June 2026 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1793, you must:
- Be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)
- Use a designated Border Control Post (BCP) – Dublin Port, Dublin Airport or Rosslare Port
- Give prior notification of the consignment at least one working day before arrival
- Provide all required certificates and test reports, including pesticide residue results where needed
You can register using the Department’s online registration form.
Border Control Posts and prior notification
Entry of these commodities into the country is restricted to designated BCPs, such as Dublin Port, Dublin Airport and Rosslare Port.
The operator responsible for the consignment must notify the relevant BCP at least one working day before the consignment is due to arrive.
For commodities with a pesticide residue risk, the importer or their agent must complete Part 1 of the Common Health Entry Document for products (CHED‑D) in TRACES NT and submit all required documentation through the DAFM Imports Portal at least one working day before arrival.
Certificates and analytical reports
Under Regulation (EU) 2017/625, original official certificates must be presented to the competent authority at the BCP on entry.
All commodities listed in Annex II and subject to official controls must:
- Be accompanied by an original official certificate
- Be presented at a designated BCP
Annex II, table 1, lists specified products of non‑animal origin from certain countries outside the EU. These consignments must have:
- Pre‑notification on CHED‑D
- An official certificate
- An analytical report showing the results of pesticide residue testing, where applicable
Annex II (a) of the amending legislation prohibits the import of certain foods of non‑animal origin from specified third countries into the EU.
Physical checks and release of consignments
Physical checks – including sampling and laboratory analysis – are carried out on selected consignments at the frequencies set out in Annex I and Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 (as amended).
Consignments chosen for these checks cannot be released for free circulation until test results confirm that they comply with EU pesticide residue legislation.
For questions about registration, contact BrexitRegistration@agriculture.gov.ie
To contact the Pesticide Controls Division, email pcs_icon@agriculture.gov.ie