HomeThe Plastic Kitchenware (Conditions of Import from China) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011
From 1 July 2011, new controls have been introduced for imports of polyamide and melamine plastic kitchenware originating in or consigned from China and Hong Kong. (CN code ex 3924 10 00)For more information on the legislation visit the Food Standards Agency website
Products which are subject to this regulation, can only enter the United Kingdom through specific ports and airports which have been approved.
Belfast is an approved port.
Importers and food business operators must pre-notify Port Health at least two working days before the physical arrival of a consignment by submitting a declaration and an attached laboratory report of analysis for each consignment of plastic kitchenware.
Fees
The new controls have also introduced fees which are levied on a cost recovery basis.Fees are split, with a standard documentary check fee of £47 for all consignments subject to checks, as well as an additional fee (sampling time costs, plus the cost of analysis) for consignments subject to random sampling and analysis at the prescribed percentage sampling rate.
Importers will be advised of any products selected for sampling which will attract additional fees following documentary checks. It may take up to 14 days for results to be received.
Please note that a non-compliant consignment fee will also be charged for those consignments which do not meet import requirements.
Fees must be paid before consignments can be released, once checks have been completed.
These charges are subject to review and may change at short notice following guidance or instruction from the Food Standards Agency, the European Union or the Association of Port Health Authorities.
