30 April 2025: Optional use of importer declarations for certain ABPs from EU countries
Updated 2 May 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-veterinary-surgeon-ovs-notes/30-april-2025-optional-use-of-importer-declarations-for-certain-abps-from-eu-countries
OVS note number: 2025/32
Purpose
To inform you about the optional use of importer declarations for importing intermediate products, bones and bone products, horns and horn products, hoof products and untreated wool and hair from the EU to Great Britain.
Background
There is currently no legal requirement for traders to use model importer declarations for importing animal by-products (ABPs) from EU countries.
From 30 April 2025, EU traders can voluntarily choose to use importer declarations for some ABP imports. This will help the border control posts to correctly identify the type of product and reduce the chance of delays.
Traders can choose to use importer declarations for the following ABPs:
- bones and bone products, horns and horn products and hoof products intended for use other than as feed material, organic fertilisers or soil improvers (certificate GBHC141X)
- untreated wool and hair, depending on the country of origin and intended destination (certificate GBHC586)
- intermediate products (certificate GBHC144E)
If traders choose to use declarations to import these ABPs, they still need a commercial document.
Contact point for enquiries
Email: imports@apha.gov.uk
Imports and EU Trade Team