For some time Dover Port Health Authority have been researching and evaluating the best way to monitor and control the number and type of food products not of animal origin imported from a third country into Dover Port and the Channel Tunnel.
Therefore we are pleased to launch a new Electronic pre-notification system based on a tried, tested and fully operational system (Slough BC) whereby importers and forwarding agents are requested to first register (one off; free of charge) and submit a completed Pre-notification entry to Port Health every time you handle and / or import a food product that is not of animal origin from a third country for example: vegetables, fruit, sweets and nuts etc, or in other words all food products that fall within Chapter 7 to Chapter 24 should be notified to us via the electronic Pre-notification form.
Dover Port Health Authority has made and continues to make substantial progress and improvements in our systems of communication and control. We recognise that forwarding agents and importers are key informants in ensuring food safety and public health both at a local and national level.
Importers and forwarding agents will benefit the most from this system because; You will be able to import foodstuffs of non animal origin with confidence that they comply with prescribed legal requirements in terms of mandatory papers that are required such as Health certificates and aflaxtoxin or Sudan 1 analysis reports as an example.
Legislation surrounding the Import trade is both substantial and complex. It is our job to advise and provide you with the information you need to import foodstuffs that are safe and compliant therefore avoiding any potential rejection or delays due to poor communication or lack of import knowledge. We are always happy to help and ensure that those using the Port of Dover or the Channel Tunnel are appropriately informed and advised to avoid costly rejections or delays.
Pre-notification enables Port Health to monitor the type, quality and quantity of foodstuffs imported through Dover Port and the Channel Tunnel, which means we can act proactively and conduct risk assessments on evidence gathered to target food safety action where it is needed most. It also enables us to keep you informed and advised on legislative controls and developments that affect your work. Therefore the system enables us to work with you to ensure that the food imported is compliant, safe and wholesome for human consumption.
Please follow the instructions in our User Guide:
Import Notification User Guide
You have now completed the Pre-notification form just click on the Submit
Button and your entry will be automatically sent to Port Health.
Your screen will display a Thank you page, which has a big green tick. This display confirms your notification and advises you that if Port Health require to examine the foodstuffs, you will be notified shortly - it is for this reason that it is paramount that you submit your entries prior to customs clearance and where possible in advance of goods landing.
The Thank you page response that you receive should be used as a receipt and printed off as evidence of your entry to Port Health. Your entry does not mean that Port Health will not look at the foodstuffs or that they have been cleared by Port Health, but that you have correctly notified the arrival of the goods to us and that, should physical examination be required, you will be notified shortly. If you are aware of goods arriving outside of normal working hours we request that you contact us directly to inform us of the expected goods to ensure that no untimely delays are experienced as Port Health do not routinely operate outside of the hours of 07:30-18:30 Monday to Friday. You are advised to print two copies of your thank you page receipt, one should be retained for your own records and the other should be printed (preferably on coloured paper for easy identification) and submitted with your customs entry. Customs have been informed of the new system and entries submitted without the Pre-notification Port Health receipt may be delayed whilst Port Health are contacted. Each Thank you page response shall have a unique code to ensure that receipts are not duplicated and or misused.
Remember we are here to help YOU and to make sure that goods are safe, compliant and enter the United Kingdom with minimal time delays.
If you experience any difficulties using this system please do not hesitate
to contact Port Health on 01304 872216.
Click here to
complete an import notification form
Head Office
Port Health
Health Protection
Public Protection Section
White Cliffs Business Park
Dover
Kent
CT16 3PJ
Telephone: 01304 872216
Main Switchboard: 01304 821199
Fax: 01304 872416
E-mail: porthealth@dover.gov.uk
