Ahead of a “forthcoming” deal with the EU, the UK government has confirmed it will not be introducing extra border checks on live animal imports from the EU, nor on specific animal and plant goods from Ireland.
New post-Brexit checks on live animal imports moving through border inspection posts were due to start during 2024, but had been delayed to the summer of 2025.
However, with the UK expecting to agree a deal to establish a UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) zone, the new checks have been suspended. Any inspections done on live animal imports will continue to be done at the place of destination.
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The move has been welcomed by traders, but some concerns have been raised around the threat of animal disease.
“It’s vital the UK has robust import controls as a key line of defence against disease, and this remains the case whilst an UK-EU agreement is agreed,” said British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux.
Also commenting, Phil Stocker from the National Sheep Association said government must ensure strict biosecurity controls are upheld. He also believes that the suspension of border control measures is likely to be only the start of a lengthy negotiation process with the EU.
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Ahead of a “forthcoming” deal with the EU, the UK government has confirmed it will not be introducing extra border checks on live animal imports from the EU, nor on specific animal and plant goods from Ireland.
New post-Brexit checks on live animal imports moving through border inspection posts were due to start during 2024, but had been delayed to the summer of 2025.
However, with the UK expecting to agree a deal to establish a UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) zone, the new checks have been suspended. Any inspections done on live animal imports will continue to be done at the place of destination.
The move has been welcomed by traders, but some concerns have been raised around the threat of animal disease.
“It’s vital the UK has robust import controls as a key line of defence against disease, and this remains the case whilst an UK-EU agreement is agreed,” said British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux.
Also commenting, Phil Stocker from the National Sheep Association said government must ensure strict biosecurity controls are upheld. He also believes that the suspension of border control measures is likely to be only the start of a lengthy negotiation process with the EU.
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