International trade: Importer Information Notes - Useful contacts
Importers may wish to contact the following Government Departments and Agencies for advice on the requirements relating to the import of products of animal origin:
Rural Payments Agency (RPA)
The Rural Payments Agency issue import licences for certain animal products to which quotas may apply. To find out about licencing requirements and obligations as well as quota arrangements, please contact the RPA on the numbers below.
Contact:
Milk and milk products |
0191 226 5204 |
Sheepmeat |
0191 226 5209 or 0191 226 5182 |
Oils and fats |
0191 226 5267 |
Beef and veal |
0191 226 5033 |
Pigmeat, eggs and poultry |
0191 226 5048 |
HM Revenue & Customs
Customs approve a range of procedures by which goods may be imported into the UK. Although not an exhaustive list, and you will need to check prior to importation, some of the points you may need to consider when importing those goods are:
- you will need to make a formal declaration to Customs which gives details of the goods being imported either at importation, or if approved, subsequently.
- you may have to pay Customs duty and/or VAT on the goods being imported
- in addition to the animal health requirements your goods may also be subject to other import controls such as those on endangered species (this includes their horns, furs and skins etc) which require the presentation of separate documentation
To seek advice on these or any other aspects of Customs procedures you are advised to contact the National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000 which is available Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm. In addition they also operate a specialist Tariff Classification helpline on 01702 366077 which is available from 9.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Details of Commodity Codes and Import Duties can also be obtained from the following email address: classification.tso@hmrc.gov.uk. Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk.
For further information on the import controls on endangered species you can contact The Global Wildlife Division of the Department of the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) in Bristol on 0117 372 8168/8691.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
Certain products may require a DTI Import Licence. Information is available from the DTI Import Licensing Branch on 01642 364 333/4.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
Certain products of animal origin entering the UK must do so under the conditions of an animal health import licence. In the case of animal products intended for human consumption, public health certification may also apply. Failure to comply with legislative requirements can result in the loss of consignments, without compensation, and possible prosecution. Further information can be obtained from the contact numbers below:
| Fresh red meat (other than game meat). Poultry meat. Meat products. Minced meat and meat preparations. |
020 7904 6496 |
| Game meat (wild and farmed). Milk and milk products. Products covered by Directive 92/118/EEC: Including: petfood, hides and skins, processed animal protein, blood and blood products, unprocessed wool and hair, eggs and egg products, honey, snails and frog’s legs and gelatine. |
020 7904 6506 |
N.B. for imports of fish and fishery products contact The Food Standards Agency on 020 7276 8456.
The International Trade pages on the Defra website show the full range of products to which these controls apply.
Defra's International Animal Health Imports Policy Branch will also be able to give advice.
Page last modified:
30 May, 2008
Page published: 4 May, 2004