This blog explains the new EU import requirements for food and animal feed from March 2025.
What Questions We Will Answer in this blog
What are the new import notification requirements starting March 2025?
How will these changes impact customs and food importers?
What steps can import-export professionals take to ensure compliance?
Introduction
As customs and/or SPS professional, staying informed about regulatory changes is crucial. From March 2025, a new EU Regulation introduces new requirements for importing food and animal feed products from the UK and other third countries to the EU. Understanding these changes is essential to ensure smooth customs clearance and maintain the integrity of your import operations.
"Navigating these new import notification requirements for food and feed demands meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to compliance." — Arne Mielken, Managing Director of Customs Manager Ltd
Abbreviations We Use in this Blog
To facilitate ease of understanding, here are the critical abbreviations used:
EU: European Union
IMSOC: Information Management System for Official Controls
CN: Combined Nomenclature
TARIC: Integrated Tariff of the European Union
What are the New Import Notification Requirements?
Starting March 3, 2025, EU Regulation (EU) mandates advance notifications for the importation of certain food and animal feed products. This regulation supplements the main framework, Official Control Regulation (EU) 2017/625 ,by specifying when and how competent authorities can request operators to notify the arrival of goods entering the Union.
Key Points:
Detailed Descriptions: Operators must provide comprehensive information about the consignments, including their destination and intended use.
TRACES Submission: Notifications must be submitted through the TRACES platform, ensuring standardized data exchange.
Risk-Based Controls: Enhanced risk awareness allows authorities to perform documentary, identity, and physical checks efficiently.
These requirements aim to streamline customs clearance processes, reduce bottlenecks, and uphold high standards of food safety and animal welfare within the EU.
How Will This Impact Customs and Food Importers?
For customs agents and import specialists, these changes bring a transformative shift in how import operations are managed. The importation of food and animal feed will now involve:
Pre-Notification: Operators must notify authorities of incoming consignments in advance, detailing the nature and purpose of the goods.
Compliance Certification: A declaration certifying the accuracy and completeness of the provided information is mandatory.
Enhanced Security: The use of electronic signatures and seals ensures the integrity and confidentiality of the notifications.
These measures foster a more professional and transparent import system, minimizing the risk of shipment detainment and enhancing overall service orientation within the customs process.
What Steps Can Import-Export Professionals Take to Comply?
Adapting to these new regulations requires a strategic approach. Here are essential steps to ensure compliance:
Familiarise with TRACES: Mastering the TRACES platform is fundamental. Ensure your team is proficient in navigating and submitting notifications.
Implement Standardized Procedures & Understand CHEDs: Develop transparent internal processes for gathering and submitting detailed information for each consignment, in particular by understadning what is required in CHED's
Training and Education: Invest in training programs to keep your team updated on regulatory changes and best practices in customs clearance.
Collaborate with Customs Consultants: Partner with experts like my team at Customs Manager Ltd to receive bespoke consultancy and practical assistance tailored to your specific needs.
By taking these proactive steps, you can seamlessly integrate the new import notification requirements into your operations, ensuring compliance and maintaining the flow of your import-export activities without disruption.
Arne’s Takeaway
The introduction of the EU Regulation marks a significant advancement in the importation of food and animal feed into the EU. By leveraging advance notifications, the EU enhances the efficiency and security of its import processes. Embracing these changes ensures compliance and elevates the standard of your operations, fostering a transparent and professional import environment.
Expert Recommendations
Master TRACES: Ensure your team is fully trained and comfortable using the TRACES system for all notifications.
Start Early: To avoid last-minute challenges, begin integrating the new notification processes into your workflows well before March 2025.
Educate Your Supply Chain: Communicate these changes to all stakeholders, including suppliers and logistics partners, to ensure everyone is aligned and prepared.
How My Team and I Can Help
Along with a great team of enthusiastic specialists, we offer comprehensive support for import and export operations, including bespoke consultancy and practical assistance. My team and I support your import-export operations, including customs clearance, notifications, and compliance. We provide public, in-house, and on-demand training tailored for customs professionals, importers, and exporters. Our membership services include weekly customs trade intelligence and updates. For more details on services, visit www.customsmanager.org.
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Learn With Me
My team and I offer extensive training on import notifications and TRACES compliance. Please visit www.customsmanager.org/events to explore the course plan and book one of the following public courses.
About the Author
I, Arne Mielken, am a customs, export control, and sanctions expert with over 20 years of experience. I have worked as executive director for many years in Big 4 Consultancy, global trade management technology companies, and many international trade and export UK and EU trade associations. I am proud to be a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of World Traders, and I am a member of many customs, export control & sanctions associations.
Connect With Me & My Team
You can learn more about me here and connect with me on LinkedIn. I also run a channel where you can get free tips and advice on customs, export controls, and sanctions.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consulting with legal professionals, specialists, or specific compliance requirements and guidance is recommended. Book a free call with our expert at Customs Manager Ltd.