High Risk Food of Non-Animal Origin

Some foods are classed as high risk if they may contain things like mycotoxins, pesticides, or salmonella. When these foods are brought into Northern Ireland (NI) from outside the EU — including from Great Britain (GB) — they may be checked under temporary increased controls or emergency measures. The foods that are considered high risk are listed in Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 (as amended).

In addition, there are extra import rules for:

• Certain mushrooms and fruit of the genus Vaccinium - Regulation (EU) 2020/1158
• Foods from Japan - Regulation (EU) 2016/6 (as amended)
• Jelly confectionary or mini cups - Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008
• Rice and rice products from China - Commission Decision 2011/884/EC (as amended)

If you move high-risk foods of non-animal origin (HRFNAO) into NI from outside the EU, you must check where your foods come from and whether they were first imported into GB before coming to NI. You can compare your products with those under restriction on the Food Standards Agency Website.

Entry Requirements

Foods controlled by these regulations must enter the EU through a Border Control Post (BCP).
Importers and food businesses must also:

• Tell authorities at least one working day before the food arrives
• Complete Part 1 of the Common Health Entry Document (CHED-D) on TRACES-NT, the EU’s online import system

Guidance on how to register on TRACES-NT and how to fill in the CHED-D form can be found here.

More Information

You can get help or advice from:

• The Point of Entry (POE) where your food will arrive
• Your local district council where your business is based