UK: EU SPS Compliance for Operators Moving Goods into Northern Ireland
- Arne Mielken
- Oct 14, 2024
- 5 min read
Ensure your SPS consignments meet legal obligations for a smooth customs clearance process and prevent delays.
What Questions I Will Answer in this blog:
What are the key compliance requirements for SPS goods moving into Northern Ireland?
How can I ensure my consignments are directed to the correct DAERA inspection facility?
What are the steps in the notification and inspection process?
Introduction
Understanding the compliance requirements is crucial if you're moving Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) goods into Northern Ireland. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has emphasized strict compliance protocols to ensure that all consignments meet legal obligations upon arrival.
"At Customs Manager Ltd, I’ve always believed that compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about safeguarding your operations and mitigating risks. As your trusted partner, let me help you navigate the complexities of SPS regulations with ease and integrity." – Arne Mielken, Managing Director of Customs Manager Ltd.
Abbreviations I Use in this Blog
I’ll be using a few abbreviations throughout this blog to keep things clear and straightforward for you:
SPS: Sanitary and Phytosanitary
DAERA: Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
GVMS: Goods Vehicle Movement Service
OCR: Official Controls Regulation (EU) 2017/625
What are the key compliance requirements for SPS goods moving into Northern Ireland?
The legal requirements for moving SPS goods into Northern Ireland are strict, but they exist to protect public health and the integrity of the supply chain. Failure to comply can lead to delays, enforcement actions, and reputational damage.
Legal Obligation
Under OCR (EU) 2017/625, all operators moving SPS goods must present their consignments at designated DAERA inspection facilities upon arrival in Northern Ireland. Whether you're an importer, an export control consultant, or a customs agent, you must ensure that this process follows the letter.
How can I ensure my consignments are directed to the correct DAERA inspection facility?
Once your goods arrive, they must be taken to a designated facility for checks. DAERA has three main inspection facilities in Northern Ireland:
Belfast
Larne
Warrenpoint
Your role as a customs professional, whether handling imports or working on customs clearance, is to ensure that your consignments are directed to the appropriate facility. This ensures a smooth process and helps to avoid penalties or delays.
What are the steps in the notification and inspection process?
Once your goods arrive, operators are notified in several ways to make the process easier. DAERA has a robust notification system to keep all relevant parties informed, including the haulage company, drivers, and operators.
Here’s how notifications work:
Email notifications are sent directly to the haulage company.
Notifications are also visible on the GVMS system, which will show a “detention hold” for any goods that need to be inspected.
If your goods are arriving in Belfast, the Stena Smart Screen will show any outstanding inspections.
Inspections must be completed before the goods leave the facility, and this is a non-negotiable step in the process. Non-compliance can result in delays, and in some cases, the goods may be detained, which could lead to enforcement action.
Contact Information for Assistance
DAERA has provided contact points for specific categories of SPS goods. If you're moving goods such as animals, animal products, or plants, ensure you reach out to the appropriate DAERA team to confirm compliance.
For animals or animal products, contact daeratradeimports@daera-ni.gov.uk.
For plants, plant products, or machinery, reach out to the same team for assistance.
Arne’s Takeaway
Compliance is non-negotiable when moving SPS goods into Northern Ireland. You can avoid costly delays and enforcement actions by ensuring your consignments are inspected at designated DAERA facilities and understanding the notification processes. Protecting the integrity of your supply chain starts with accountability and attention to detail.
Expert Recommendation
Ensure timely notifications: Always check your email and the GVMS system for notification updates.
Direct your consignments to the correct facility: Know where your goods need to go—Belfast, Larne, or Warrenpoint.
Complete inspections: Don’t let your goods leave the inspection facility until all checks are complete.
Fancy a call?
I offer comprehensive support for navigating SPS compliance and customs processes. I would love to discuss your questions and challenges with import/export compliance and customs clearance. Furthermore, I offer a free expert call of up to one hour, which you can book seamlessly here.
I provide public, in-house, and on-demand training tailored for customs professionals, importers, exporters, and their partners. Our membership services include weekly customs trade intelligence and updates. For more details on services, visit www.customsmanager.org.
Sources That I Base Our Information in This Blog On
Where To Find More Information On This Topic
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Visit our Knowledge Hub Content Library at www.customsmanager.info, where I have a wealth of information on customs and export control.
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About the Author
I (Arne Mielken) am a customs, export control, and sanctions expert with over 20 years of experience. I have worked as executive director for many years in Big 4 Consultancy, global trade management technology companies, and many international trade and export UK and EU trade associations. I am proud to be a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of World Traders, and I am a member of many customs, export control, and sanctions associations, like the Customs Practitioners Group (CPG) and UK’s Association for International Trade (ACITA).
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consulting with legal professionals, specialists, or specific compliance requirements and guidance are recommended. Book a free call with our expert at Customs Manager Ltd.
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