Checklist for Exporting Meat from the EU to Great Britain

This document is designed to assist EU-based meat producers and exporters in navigating the regulatory requirements for exporting meat and meat products to Great Britain. It includes a straightforward checklist to ensure all necessary preparations are made to comply with UK import regulations. 

Verify Export Eligibility. Ensure that both the country of origin and the specific exporting establishment are approved by UK authorities to export meat to Great Britain.

• Approved countries and regions: Link 
• Approved EU establishments: Link 
• Approved non-EU establishments: Link 

Obtain Necessary Health Certificates. All meat exports to Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man) require an accompanying Health Certificate issued by the local competent authority in the country of the exporter, based on the model health certificate, as defined by the UK government.  

Notify UK Authorities. Meat products fall into the medium risk category as defined in the UK’s Border Target Operating Model, and require importers to notify the authorities at least 24 hours before the goods arrive at the border. Notification is made via the Import of products, animals, food, and feed system, IPAFFS.  

Veterinary Check. Meat products must be imported through a Border Control Post (BCP). A list of eligible BCPs are listed here. At the BCP, goods will undergo veterinary check before being allowed in. More details on the BCP process is available here. 

Final transit. Once the goods have cleared the BCP, a Common Health Entry Document (CHED) will be issued. The CHED should accompany the goods to the final destination.  

Useful Links: Animal & Plant Health Agency: Link, Import Information Note on Import of Meat Products: Link, Import Information Note on Import of Products of Animal Origin: Link, UK Border Target Operating Model: Link