The UK Government has implemented new European Union official control regulations for the agri-food chain.
Implemented from 14 December, these new regulations are part of the European Union Commission’s Smarter Rules for Safer Food (SRSF) initiative.
The EU has designed the SRSF to simplify and improve official controls across the entire agri-food chain. This includes food manufacturing and supply, as well as processing and distribution to consumers. It will also focus on plant and animal production.
SRSF regulations are expected to replace more than 70 existing European directives.
SRSF is split into two different sections, namely the official controls regulation (OCR) and products of animal origin (POAO). The rules under OCR and POAO are applicable to the companies engaged in the animal trade.
The EU developed the Plant Health Regulation (PHR) section for businesses involved in the production, manufacture, supply and regulation of plants, seeds, timber and plant products.
Released in March 2017, the OCR covers aspects such as inspections, audits and sampling. This ensures consistency across the food chain, as well as the agricultural industry.
Under the new rules, the UK will change all Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) and Designated Points of Entry (DPEs) to Border Control Posts (BCPs).
The UK Government said that importers of live animals and animal products into the country need to complete a Common Health Entry Document (CHED). This replaces the Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVED) and Common Entry Document (CED).
It also added that the new regulations will be applicable in all Brexit scenarios.
Through this initiative, the UK intends to strengthen its public health and maintain the integrity of the food and feed chain in the country.
