Certain types of commodities require so called sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks when being imported into the European Union. These checks are in addition to customs controls and apply to commodities coming from all non-EU countries, including GB. The commodities affected include animal products, regulated plant products and certain foods of non-animal origin. Rules relating to SPS checks are decided at EU level, not at the level of the Member State.
The requirement for SPS checks is linked to the so-called combined nomenclature or CN code, entered on the customs declaration. The presence of certain codes on the customs declaration will trigger the requirement for SPS checks. Customs declarations for commodities requiring SPS checks cannot be cleared until the SPS checks have been carried out.
Feathers and wool are products that come from animals. The entry of a CN code related to feathers and wool, on a customs declaration, will trigger a requirement for SPS controls.
Clearance of such consignments then depends on the supply of certain documentation to Department staff at the point of entry. In the event there are delays in the supply of the documentation required, there will be consequential delays in the consignment being released from the point of entry.
Business operators who are experiencing delays in having their products released, because they have triggered a requirement for SPS controls, should contact Department staff at the border control post at the point of entry.
