International trade: Importer Information Notes - milk and milk based products (IIN BP 2A)
Importer Information Note on conditions of import for milk and milk based products, which have undergone a single heat treatment and which are not intended for human consumption
1. Permitted imports
Milk and milk based products which have undergone a single heat treatment and which not intended for human consumption:
- must from an approved third country (see section 2)
- must come from an EU approved plant (see section3)
- must have an animal health certificate (see section 4)
NB In addition to the requirements laid down in Annex V Chapter 1 of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002, covering the specific hygiene requirements for the processing and placing on the market of processed animal protein and other processed products that could be used as feed material, the following conditions apply:
- The product must be processed in accordance with the requirements laid down in Annex VII, Chapter V and Annex V, Chapter 1 of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002
- Where a risk of introduction of an exotic disease or any other risk to animal health is identified, additional conditions for the protection of animal health may be established in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 33(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002
2. Country of origin
Milk and milk based products must come from third countries (countries outside the European Union (EU)) listed in column B of the Annex to Commission Decision 2004/438/EC.
3. Processing plants
The By-products covered by this IIN must come from processing establishments which have been approved by the EU. Pending completion of this procedure consignments may be sent from establishments which have been inspected by the competent authority of the third country concerned to verify compliance with the specific conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 and then approved by that authority and subjected to on-going supervision.
4. Animal health certificate
Each consignment must be accompanied by a certificate signed and stamped by a duly authorised veterinary officer of the government of the exporting country in accordance with Chapter 2A of Annex X to Regulation (EC) 668/2004.
Note, for New Zealand, the health certification is laid down in Commission Decision 2003/56/EC as amended.
5. Veterinary checks
Consignments may only be imported through an approved EU Border Inspection Post (BIP). Following satisfactory checks at the BIP, consignments may then circulate freely within the EU.
Consignments must be pre-notified, in accordance with the Products of Animal Origin (Third Country Imports) Regulations, to the relevant BIP before arrival in the country, by completion of Part I of the Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVED), or by electronic means as agreed with the Border Inspection Post competent authority.
6. Specified risk material
For milk and milk based products intended for feed use, which have undergone a single heat treatment , the certificate referred to in section 4 above must include a guarantee that it is either:
from a country listed in Annex XI, Chapter A to Regulation (EC) No 999/2001, as amended
or
it is in accordance with the requirements laid down (use exact wording) in Annex XI, Section A, paragraph 15 (b) to Regulation (EC) No 999/2001
7. By-products requirements
The requirements contained in this document only refer to those for the import of the product. Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 also lays down requirements following entry.
Animal by-products must be treated in accordance with the above Regulation. Further information can be found in the Regulation, or importers can check the Defra website
or contact:
Animal By-Products Branch
Area 305
1A Page Street
London, SW1P 4PQ
Telephone: 020 7904 6000
Email: animal-by-products@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Caution
The Official Food and Feed Controls (OFFC) Regulations were introduced on 1st January 2006. These allow for additional checks to be made at the border inspection post. Please contact the port health authority/BIP of entry for further information.
1. Consignments presented for import at a UK BIP (see section 5) must be accompanied by the original health certificate(s); faxed or photocopied certificates are not acceptable. The Official Veterinary Surgeon (OVS) will carry out veterinary checks (for which a charge will be levied) in accordance with EU legislation. On completion of these checks he will issue a Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVED). The CVED should accompany the consignment to the first point of destination. The OVS will retain the original certification. Consignments checked in another Member State must be accompanied by a CVED issued from the point of entry into the Community.
2. Whilst every attempt is made to keep this information note current, import conditions may change and importers are responsible for checking the current status of the requirements. Safeguard measures which prohibit imports from countries affected by animal diseases or other public or animal health hazards can prohibit or restrict import at very short notice. Requirements can be checked on the Defra website.
Alternatively you can keep up to date with amendments to legislation by checking the Commission Website.
3. Importers should note that the information given relates only to animal health conditions of import. It does not give guidance on other controls which may need to be met. An information page, giving details of other organisations which importers may need to consult, is available.
Contact for information
Animal Health Import Team,
Government Offices,
Beeches Road,
Chelmsford,
Essex
CM1 2RUTel: 01245 358383
Page published: 21
April, 2004
Page last modified:
19 May, 2008