Exporting Agricultural Goods to the UK
Because of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, duties and quotas affecting the import of fresh foods from non-member countries can vary throughout the year and can change at short notice.
The import of certain agricultural products can be totally banned, while others may require a certificate (following a health inspection) known as a phytosanitary certificate, issued by the plant health authority in the exporting country. Information on these restrictions can be obtained from the Plant Health Division of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
To import other products it may be necessary for the importer to obtain an import licence so that the level of imports can be monitored. In general, these are products such as olive oil, citrus fruits and certain fresh vegetables in which the EU is already self-sufficient.
The EU has developed a set of quality standards for fruit and vegetables, and other horticultural products. For copies of these standards, contact The Stationery Office, which publishes them on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), or write to the Arab Export Promotion Centre at the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce.
Related Links
- General Notes
- Locating Potential Importers in the UK
- Approaching a UK Importer Directly
- Checking a Company' s Background
- Arranging Terms of Payment
- Customs Duty and VAT
- The EU Generalised System of Preferences
- Exporting Agricultural Goods to the UK
- Standards and Safety Regulations
- Sourcing Goods in the UK
