Plastics

Spoons

Plastic Kitchenware from China and Hong Kong (control measures)


There are specific conditions and procedures for the import of polyamide (nylon) and of melamine plastic kitchenware originating in or consigned from China and Hong Kong to GB set up by Regulation 284/2011.

Plastic kitchenware is defined as plastic materials and articles falling under CN Code ex 3924 10 00:

  • intended to come into contact with food,
  • already in contact with food
  • reasonably be expected to come into contact with food

NB the above definition is not the same as the definition used in the Customs code.

Import plastic kitchenware from China and Hong Kong


To import plastic kitchenware originating in or consigned from China and Hong Kong you will need to submit to Dover Port Health Authority for each consignment, a declaration and a laboratory report confirming that it meets the requirements concerning the release of primary aromatic amines and formaldehyde.

Polyamide (Nylon)

The report must demonstrate that the item does not release into foods (or food simulants) in a detectable quantity. (The detection quantity is 0.01mg/kg.)

Melamine

The report must demonstrate that they do not release into foods (or food simulants) formaldehyde in a quantity exceeding 15 mg/kg.

Import Procedure


You must pre-notify on PHILIS at least two working days (Monday-Friday 09.00-17:00 hours)  before the consignment is due to arrive.

Documentary checks are carried out on 100% of consignments, identity, and physical checks (including laboratory analysis) are carried out on 10% of consignments selected at random.

Documents required:

  • Commercial Documents (copy bill of lading, invoice, packing list)
  • Declaration (signed by the Importer not the agent)
  • Analytical results

Plastics Declaration Document:

  • A Declaration will be needed for every consignment. 
  • Separate Declaration documents will be required for consignments of melamine and polyamide. 
  • Declaration documents can be accompanied by multiple analytical results documents, details of each document need to be included on the declaration document.
  • The Declaration document submitted to us needs to be an original document.
  • Supporting documentation including analytical reports can be copy documents.  

All the articles declared to us on a single Declaration document will be treated as a consignment. 

It will not be possible to change the defined consignment by adding or removing items once checks have begun.

Sampling activity is based on the defined consignment as notified to us by the Declaration document.

Where multiple items are included on a Declaration and any sampled item from that consignment is found to be unsatisfactory, the whole of the consignment covered by the Declaration will be refused entry and dealt with in accordance with the findings of the analysis.

Physical Checks and Sampling


Dover Port Health will contact you to tell you if your consignment is subject to sampling upon arrival at Dover and give instructions on the procedure to follow.

These checks are conducted at Dover Cargo Terminal by Port Health Officers.If your consignment has been selected for sampling, the remainder of the consignment that has been sampled must be detained in Dover until results are returned from the laboratory.

The vehicle, driver and any other products not being sampled (or otherwise controlled) do not have to stay at Dover but the importer may prefer that they do, depending on the anticipated turnaround time of the sample results and other commercial interests.

If your consignment fails laboratory testing, please see our guidance regarding Retesting of Failed Laboratory sample.

Completion of checks


Port Health will endorse the declaration indicating whether the goods are acceptable or not.
The Port Health Release notification is accepted by the HMRC National Clearance Hub as evidence that checks have been completed. Otherwise, a copy of this declaration will need to be supplied to Customs as evidence. 

Satisfactory checks

On satisfactory completion of the checks, consignments may be released for free circulation into Great Britain.

Unsatisfactory Checks

A legal notice will be served setting out reasons for failure and the options available.

Products failing to satisfy import conditions may be re-exported to a country outside of Great Britain.  However, if the consignment is deemed to be a risk to human health, or where the person responsible for the consignment fails to comply with a direction to re-export, it must instead be destroyed under supervision.

Polyamide kitchenware articles may be shredded and melted, and the resulting product formed into articles for purposes other than for food contact (if suitable facilities are available).

All costs for destruction are to be met by the person responsible for the consignment.

Fees and Charges


 Fees are payable for checking documentation and examination or sampling consignments should it prove necessary.

Our current fees and charges can be found here

Please email porthealth@dover.gov.uk to set up a payment account prior to the arrival of an Import.

Port Health Contact