New import controls have been established following on from Commission Regulation 1152/2009 concerning certain imports of nuts, figs and dried fruit and certain products made from these items.

What are the new requirements?

From 25 January 2010, HMRC's National Clearance Hub (NCH) will not release the goods detailed in the table below until evidence has been received that the health checks conducted by Port Health Authorities have been satisfactorily completed. This will be communicated in one of two ways:

• A copy of part 2 of the Common Entry Document (CED) endorsed with a UK Port Health/Local Authority endorsement faxed or emailed to NCH by the importer, agent or the relevant Port Health or Local Authority or;
• An electronic coded message generated through the port inventory system by Port Health at certain maritime ports.

The following will also have to be declared in Box 44 of the Customs declaration (SAD/C88)

• Document Code N852 (representing a Common Entry Document)
• The relevant CED reference number(s)
• The relevant status code which will be AG

Whilst these requirements will not become mandatory in 25 January, it is advised importers start to use the new provisions.

What are the products in question?

The Table below highlights the products in question, the commodity codes they are classified under and the country of origin.

Next Steps

If you would like further advice about these new requirements or are unsure if you are affected call us on (01905) 619229 or email us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it