The government has announced that new EU import controls due to be introduced on 1 July will no longer go ahead as part of a new approach. 

The proposed controls, which would require Export Health Certificates for the majority of products of animal origin (POAO) imports and physical examinations of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) goods from the EU, will be reviewed to produce a Target Operating Model in autumn 2023. This new model will aim to lay out a new regime of controls for implementation by the end of 2023.  

Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority provides reassurance that no immediate changes are being made to what it does, with the Management Team set to engage with various government departments over the coming days to seek greater clarity, assurances and information. 

A spokesperson said: “The global and economic situation has changed significantly since the start of the year, so it’s unsurprising that various plans and policies have been reviewed. 

“SCPHA remains in regular communication with DEFRA, FSA, Cabinet Office and other organisations and port health authorities to understand the implications, but we are in a strong position. Not only to engage in future discussions about what import checks will look like in 2023, but to navigate our way through the immediate uncertainty.” 

For the government’s full statement, please visit https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2022-04-28/hcws796 

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