Animal products and plant products are categorised into three different risk classes.
The import requirements are derived from the risk classification. Accordingly, no veterinary certificates or phytosanitary certificates are required for the import of low-risk SPS goods from the EU or another third country.
A veterinary certificate or phytosanitary certificate is required for SPS goods with a medium or high risk.
Information from the British authorities on risk classification and the handling of health certificates (digital or paper):
Border Target Operating Model: information leaflets for businesses - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
List of risk classification by product type:
Import risk categories for animal and animal product imports from the EU to Great Britain: summary tables - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Check import risk categories and related rules for animals and animal products imported from the EU to Great Britain, from 31 January 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) including database query.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6585b33723b70a000d234ea5/Defra-Health-Certificates-Leaflet.pdf
(Page 5: "What to do, if the consignment is medium risk and there is no health certificate?")
For technical enquiries, please contact your British trading partner, customs agent or the responsible British authority DEFRA (Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs).
Under the e-mail address brexit@interteam.eu we will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
