Port Health & other Agencies & Authorities
The movement of goods through ports and airports is governed by HM Revenue & Customs and local Port Health authority together with a few authorities such as Trading Standards, Forestry Commission and Animal & Plant Health Agency.
These authorities take a particular interest in shipments of specific commodities for example foodstuffs, animal products, plants, electrical goods, copyright goods. This is all to ensure commodities are of a standard and meet legislative requirements in the UK and EU.
For the majority of products of non- animal or plant- origin all that is required to customs clear and release your goods are copies of the commercial invoice and Bill of Lading to identify the goods.
For food or food ingredients be it fresh, frozen or chilled – for example, eggs, milk, animal skins, meat, honey and mayonnaise – the authorities will need a more details, please take a look at our guide on Food, Fruit & Vegetable, Goods of Animal origin to assist you further.