ARCHIVE: International trade: Importer Information Notes - Useful contacts

Importers may also wish to contact the following Government Departments and Agencies for advice on the requirements relating to the import of products of animal origin:

Food Standards Agency (FSA)

For imports of fish and fishery products contact The Food Standards Agency on 020 7276 8018 or imported.food@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk.

Animal Health

For further information on the import controls on endangered species you can contact The CITES Licencing Team  in Bristol on 0117 372 8774 or wildlife.licensing@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk

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 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk.

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: RPA Newcastle switchboard: 0191 273 9696

Milk and milk products

0191 226 5153  MilkPEPimports@rpa.gsi.gov.uk

Oils and fats

0191 226 5207
cerealimports@rpa.gsi.gov.uk

Beef and veal

0191 226 5153
Beefimports@rpa.gsi.gov.uk

Pigmeat, Poultrymeat and eggs

0191 226 5048
MilkPEPimports@rpa.gsi.gov.uk

Page last modified: 30 November, 2010
Page published: 4 May, 2004