The joint working party of Defra, HM Customs and the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has met to review progress on the development of procedures to implement the EU directive on checking that imported goods are in compliance with the EU marketing standards.
After two years work, the working party has now provided a very positive report on the outcomes of our work:
Doug Henderson, chief executive of the FPC, said in a statement:
“• The EU changed the original regulation which required systematic inspection of all
consignments to one that allows the use of a risk-based system.
“• A risk-based system has now been developed and is being computerised. The
intention of the system is to allow low-risk consignments to flow freely through
“Customs, with inspections only necessary for those designated as “high-risk”. It
should be noted that the excellent quality of UK imports puts most consignments into
the low risk category.
“• The system is based on a computerised evaluation of the following risks:
1. Whether the third-country inspection service has been accredited by the EU. A growing number have now been accredited.
2. The weight of the consignment. Larger consignments of poor quality produce have a greater risk of disturbing the market.
3. The historical record of the country, product and importer.
4. The time in the season.
“An electronic system for applying for certificates of conformity called PEACH has been developed and successfully trialed. This enables importers to notify the arrival of a consignment thereafter the system will automatically carry out the risk assessment and if low risk will automatically and instantly provide the importer with a certificate.
“The message for importers is to register with PEACH and give prior notification of the arrival of your consignment. Importers will also be able to establish their risk status giving them an indication whether the consignment is likely to be held for inspection.
“The second phase of implementation will commence on October 1 with citrus, peaches and nectarines and kiwifruit. This is an important phase as it will test the system for airfreighted products. If this second phase goes as well as the first we will be well placed for meeting a commitment to the EU for full implementation by March 31 2004.
“At that point we hope to look back on a very successful co-operative effort to change and implement legislation with the minimum cost impact and inconvenience to both the Government and ourselves.”
See the Journal on Friday for more news.
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