Controlled goods, licences and certificates

Brexit licensing and certification changes

Following the signing of the Free Trade Agreemnet (FTA) between the UK and the EU there are changes to some of the certifications and processes regarding the movement of controlled goods between the EU and the UK.

Controlled goods and those falling under these categories are summarised below. 

- Imports
- Exports
- Further information from HMRC

Imports

Animals, plants, food and agricultural products

The Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) processes and procedures apply to all biological goods imported from the EU. The SPS controls include the requirement for import pre-notifications, health certificates, entry via an established point of entry with an appropriate border control point plus identity and physical checks at the control points. These controls were originally planned to be phased in during 2021 but some were delayed until 2022.  

Researchers planning fieldwork that may involve the collection of genetic material

Researchers have a legal obligation to also consider the Nagoya Protocol before undertaking the field work. The Nagoya Protocol on access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity ('the Prtocol') is an international agreement to ensure the fair and equitable access and benefit sharing in using genetic resources. More information is available from the Research Operations Office.

• live animals, animal products, high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin
  From 1 January 2022 departments will be responsible for submitting the pre-notification of incoming consignments via IPAFFS 24 hours before a consignment is due to arrive. Please see the Safety Office Guidance and contact the University Biomedical Service (UBS) for all requests. 

  From 1 July 2022: additional documentation will be required (export health certificates) and relevant imports must come through a border control point for additional checks. The Animal and Plant Health Agency guidance of the animals and animal products that are impacted by this change which includes live animals and genetic material (including semen, embryos and ova) and animal products for human consumption.
   

• animal by products (ABPs) 
  For the generation, transportation, handling, processing, storage placing on the market, distribution, use or disposal of animal by products (ABPs) or derived products within the EU, the University is registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency  (AHPA). For more information please see guidance from the Safety Office. 

  From 1 January 2022 departments will be responsible for submitting the pre-notification of incoming consignments via IPAFFS 24 hours before a consignment is due to arrive. Please see the Safety Office Guidance and contact the University Biomedical Service (UBS) for all requests. 

  From 1 July 2022 additional documentation will be required (export health certificates) and relevant imports must come through a border control point for additional checks. The Animal and Plant Health Agency guidance of the animal products that are impacted by this change, includes 

  • animal by-products/products not for human consumption
  • blood and blood products,
  • educational tools,
  • gelatine and collagen,
  • hydrlysed proteins,
  • dicalcium phosphate and tricalcium phosphate,
  • processed animal protein (PAP),
  • products for technical and pharmaceutial use,
  • research /trade samples
  • display items
     
• plant and plant products
• endangered animal and plant species, and products made from them 
• veterinary medicines
• wood packaging
• timber

Drugs, chemicals and waste

• chemicals
  Imports of chemicals from the EU will be subject to new import requirements. The exact import requirements will vary according to the particular chemicals being imported so please check.
• controlled drugs
  Medicines for human use - requirements for regulatory licencing information are still subject to negotations between the EU and UK
• drug precursors
• fluorinated gases (F gas) and ozone-depleting substances
• nuclear materials
• waste

Exports

All goods will require a Safety & Security Declaration, regardless of their destination, from 1 October 2021.

You will also need to get a licence or certificate to export some types of goods from the UK.

• Controlled goods : non-proliferation controls
  We have an obligation to ensure that goods, technology or software that can be used for a military purpose or contribute towards the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are not exported into the wrong hands. To meet this obligation, and also to implement UN or EU sanctions, anyone who exports goods or technology must comply with export control legislation. This activity is co-ordinated by the Research Office please see their Export Control Policy and guidance.
   
• Animals, plants, food and agricultural products  as listed for imports.   

• Drugs, chemicals and waste as listed for imports
   
• Cultural goods
   
• ​Sanctions 
  In addition you will need to check that the goods you if the goods you're exporting will be controlled by UK sanctions from 1 January 2021. You may also not be allowed to export goods to someone who is subject to financial sanctions. 

Further details are available from HMRC:

• Import licences and certificates from 1 January 2021
• Export licences and certificates from 1 January 2021
   
• Exporting controlled goods from 1 January 2021
• Restricted and controlled goods for merchandise in baggage

• Guidance on importing and exporting live animals or animal products
• Guidance on importing and exporting plants and plant products
• Trading CITES-listed specimens through UK ports and airports from 1 January 2021
   
• Precursor chemical import and export authourisation wallchart
   
• Exporting or importing objects of cultural interest from 1 January 2021

Page updated 17 Feb 21

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