Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6PLus)

Food: Import investigation

Description

Do you import food into the EU as an entrepreneur? Then you have to ensure that the prescribed import inspections are carried out properly. In the case of imports of foodstuffs of animal origin (including live animals), the person responsible for the transport must notify the competent authority in advance of the arrival of the consignment at the border inspection post.

An import inspection shall be carried out by the competent authority of the border inspection post, which shall include a documentary check, an identity check (inspection) and a physical check.

Certain checks are also carried out on imports of foodstuffs of non-animal origin. Information on this can be obtained from the competent authority.

Which documents are required?

Common veterinary document for imports (CVED) according to Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 136/2004
Veterinary certificate
Import permit, if applicable
goods to be imported

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

The arrival of the consignment subject to an import inspection must be notified to the competent border inspection post at least one working day before the arrival of the consignment by presenting the CVED in accordance with § 3 of the Food Import Ordinance (LMEV) in conjunction with Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 136/2004.

Where appropriate, different procedures shall apply to the import investigation. This may be provided by the competent authority of the border inspection post.
The import of foodstuffs of animal origin may be subject to an import ban on the basis of animal and/or food law provisions.
Under certain conditions, exceptions to the import ban may be allowed. This applies, for example, to the import of food samples and samples and the import for trade fairs and exhibitions.