Introduction
Importing dairy products into the United Kingdom is a detailed process requiring strict adherence to health, safety, and customs regulations. Since dairy goods are derived from animals, they pose potential biosecurity and food safety risks if not handled properly. This guide offers a clear roadmap for importers, detailing everything from country-of-origin approvals and health certification to customs procedures and post-Brexit border checks under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).
1. Overview of Dairy Import Regulations
1.1 UK Import Laws Post-Brexit
With the UK now outside the EU’s single market and customs union, it imposes its own import controls on dairy products. Only specific countries and processing establishments are approved to export dairy items to the UK. Businesses must verify:
- Their source country is on the list of approved exporters.
- The producing establishment meets UK hygiene and safety standards, including registration or approval by the relevant authority.
Since regulations continue to evolve, particularly following Brexit, importers should regularly consult UK government guidance (e.g., Import Information Notes for dairy) and keep abreast of changes to approved country lists or new requirements introduced under UK law.
1.2 International Standards
In addition to domestic rules, the UK aligns with international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) guidelines set by bodies like the World Trade Organization and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE). Many trade agreements incorporate these standards into their conditions for market access, which can affect duties and certification requirements.
2. Defining the Scope: Which Dairy Products Are Covered?
Dairy products fall under “products of animal origin,” encompassing a broad range of goods:
- Raw Milk: Milk that has not been heated above 40°C.
- Processed Dairy Products: Such as cheese, butter, yogurt, cream, powdered milk, and infant formulas.
- Colostrum: The fluid produced by mammals in the first few days post-parturition.
- Colostrum-Based Products: Supplements or food items derived from colostrum.
All these categories must comply with UK rules on origin, health certification, and border inspections. Risk levels and specific health certificate requirements can vary depending on whether a product is raw, pasteurized, or highly processed.
3. Approved Countries and Establishments
Approved Countries
Products must originate from establishments approved to export to Great Britain, ensuring they meet UK standards. Importers can verify these through
Failure to source from approved establishments can result in consignment rejection or destruction, highlighting the importance of due diligence.
4. Health Certifications
4.1 Export Health Certificates (EHCs)
A valid Export Health Certificate is the bedrock of any dairy import into the UK. This official document:
- Verifies the product was produced under approved conditions and is safe for human consumption.
- Confirms the absence of specified animal diseases.
- Lists key details such as the dairy type, volume, and origin, signed off by a veterinary official or food safety authority in the exporting country.
4.2 Specific Certificates by Product Type
The UK requires different health certificates for dairy imports, depending on the type of product and how it was processed. The most common certificates include:
- milk-RMP – For specific dairy products made from raw milk.
- milk-HTB and milk-HTC – For dairy that must undergo higher heat treatments to meet safety standards.
- milk-RM – For importing raw milk.
- C/CBP – For colostrum and colostrum-based products.
- milkT/S – For dairy products entering the UK for transit or storage before being sent elsewhere.
It’s crucial to ensure you have the correct certificate for your dairy shipment. If you present the wrong certificate or if any details are missing or incorrect, UK border officials may delay or reject your import. Always verify certificate requirements before shipping.
5. Customs Declarations and Documentation
5.1 Classifying Your Product
Before lodging a customs import declaration, determine the correct commodity code (tariff code) for your specific dairy item. Codes vary by:
- Type of dairy (cheese, butter, milk powder, yogurt, etc.).
- State of the product (raw, pasteurized, powdered).
- Fat content or any added ingredients (e.g., salted or flavored cheese).
This classification affects applicable duty rates and determines whether special import conditions apply.
5.2 Preparing Key Documents
Importers must gather:
- Commercial Invoice: Identifies the seller, buyer, total value, currency, and product description.
- Packing List: Details packaging specifics like number of boxes, net/gross weight, and container references.
- Transport Document: Such as a Bill of Lading (sea freight) or Air Waybill (air freight).
- Export Health Certificate: From the country of origin (the original or a valid copy must accompany the shipment).
- Certificate of Origin: If seeking tariff preference under a specific trade deal.
5.3 Submitting the Declaration with Customs Declarations UK Platform
Using Customs Declarations UK platform, submitting dairy product import declarations is quick, intuitive, and hassle-free. Our platform simplifies the process with a user-friendly interface, ensuring compliance with UK import regulations while minimizing delays.
How It Works
1. Enter Shipment Details
- Select your dairy product category.
- Enter the commodity code, country of origin, and product details (e.g., quantity, packaging type).
2. Attach Required Documents
- Upload key documents such as the Export Health Certificate, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List directly to the platform.
- Our system validates document completeness, reducing errors that could lead to customs delays.
3. Automatic Duty & VAT Calculation
- The platform instantly calculates import duties and VAT based on the product classification.
- If a dairy product qualifies for zero-rated VAT, it will still be declared accordingly.
- Choose to pay immediately or use the duty deferment scheme for smoother cash flow management.
4. Submission & Tracking
- Click Submit Declaration, and the system securely transmits your entry to HMRC.
- Instantly receive a Movement Reference Number (MRN) to track your shipment’s status.
- If flagged for additional checks, our dashboard provides real-time updates and guidance on next steps.
With Customs Declarations UK, handling dairy imports is fast, compliant, and stress-free—helping businesses and customs agents navigate UK import processes with confidence.
6. Border Inspections: The UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM)
6.1 Risk Categories
Under the BTOM, dairy products are classified by risk level, determining how frequently they undergo checks:
- Low Risk: Products like UHT milk may not require routine physical inspections.
- Medium Risk: Includes fresh milk, certain cheeses, and other pasteurized or raw dairy. These may see 1–30% physical checks at the border.
- High Risk: Subject to mandatory checks. In dairy’s context, high-risk items are relatively uncommon, but if a disease outbreak or special restriction applies, your product could be flagged.
6.2 Pre-Notification (IPAFFS)
Importers must pre-notify border authorities at least 24 hours before arrival using the Import of Products, Animals, Food, and Feed System (IPAFFS). Required details include:
- Estimated arrival date and port of entry
- Product description, quantity, and risk category
- Corresponding Export Health Certificate references
6.3 Inspection Process at Border Control Posts
When your shipment arrives at a designated Border Control Post (BCP):
- Documentary Check: Officials verify your EHC, commercial invoice, and any other required papers.
- Identity Check: They match labels, seals, and container IDs to the documents.
- Physical Check (if selected): This may involve sampling, temperature checks, or lab analysis to confirm food safety standards.
If your shipment passes these checks, it receives clearance for free circulation within the UK. Any discrepancies or health concerns can lead to detention, re-export, or destruction of the goods.
7. Potential Pitfalls and Common Mistakes
- Incomplete or Incorrect Health Certificates: A single error in your Export Health Certificate can halt the shipment at the border.
- Failure to Pre-Notify: Not using IPAFFS in time may result in delays or refusal of entry.
- Wrong Commodity Code: Misclassification can trigger incorrect duties or risk non-compliance.
- Temperature Control Failures: Dairy requires cold chain integrity throughout transit; broken seals or temperature deviations can lead to rejections.
- Non-Approved Suppliers: Sourcing from unapproved establishments is a frequent cause of shipment refusal.
Role of Customs Declarations UK: Streamlining Your Import Process
Navigating dairy imports can be complex. Customs Declarations UK provides an intuitive platform to facilitate customs declarations, verify required documents, and ensure your consignments meet all health and import standards. By leveraging this service, you can reduce administrative burdens, minimize delays at Border Control Posts, and maintain confidence that your dairy imports are compliant with UK regulations.
