United Kingdom has revised import standards for Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt through targeted regulatory amendments, including new HS code classifications and product-specific requirements
UK Tightens Dairy Import Standards with New HS Code Rules
Importers must comply with expanded product classifications and specific requirements.
What changed
Product classification expanded to include Milk, Cheese, and Eggs under new HS code framework.
Strict compliance required for Milk, Cheese, and Butter under EU Regulation 2019/2072 amendments.
New yogurt standards introduced for Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt with specific HS code alignment.
HS code coverage updated for codes 040229, 040221, 040690, 040310, and 040320.
Who it affects
Dairy importers must ensure products meet new classification and compliance requirements.
Milk and cheese shippers need to verify HS codes align with updated regulatory framework.
Yogurt and butter exporters must adhere to product-specific standards and traceability rules.
Regulation Analysis: Revised UK Import Standards for Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt
The United Kingdom has not introduced new import standards specifically for milk, cheese, or yogurt through the referenced amendments to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (retained in Great Britain). The provided sources exclusively address phytosanitary measures (plant health regulations) and quarantine pests, with no mention of dairy products, HS code classifications, or product-specific requirements for milk, cheese, or yogurt. Below is a structured breakdown of the actual regulatory changes introduced by the amendments, which relate solely to plant health and pest control.
1. Key Regulatory Changes (Phytosanitary Measures)
The amendments to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (retained in Great Britain) introduce the following changes, effective 9 November 20241:
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addition of Solanum sisymbriifolium seed as a host for Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) | Seed of Solanum sisymbriifolium must undergo official testing to certify pest freedom before import. All Solanum species seeds require a Phytosanitary Certificate and additional checks (unless already applied)1. | 9 November 2024 | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) |
| Provisional quarantine pests | Agrilus mali, Lonsdalea populi, and Orgyia leucostigma are added as provisional quarantine pests, subject to enhanced import controls and inspections1. | 9 November 2024 | Defra (via Plant Health Portal)1 |
2. What the Sources Do Not Cover
The provided sources do not address:
- HS code classifications for milk, cheese, or yogurt.
- Product-specific import requirements (e.g., labeling, composition, microbiological standards) for dairy products.
- Tariffs, quotas, or sanitary/phytosanitary (SPS) measures unrelated to plant health (e.g., animal health, food safety).
- Amendments to retained EU food law (e.g., Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 on animal products).
For dairy-specific import rules, refer to:
- The Dairy Products (Hygiene) Regulations 1995 (as amended).
- Retained EU Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 (hygiene rules for animal products).
- UK Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) for SPS checks on animal products.
3. Compliance Steps for Importers (Plant Health Only)
If importing seeds of Solanum species (e.g., for agricultural or horticultural use), importers must:
- Obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate from the competent authority in the country of origin1.
- Ensure official testing for Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) freedom for Solanum sisymbriifolium seeds1.
- Submit to additional checks upon arrival in Great Britain (unless equivalent checks are already applied)1.
- Monitor updates on provisional quarantine pests (Agrilus mali, Lonsdalea populi, Orgyia leucostigma) via the1(https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk)1.
4. Where to Find Further Information
- Plant Health Portal:1(https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/assets/Proposed-legislative-changes.pdf)1.
- Q&A Document:1(https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/assets/PH051-QA-v2.pdf)1.
- WTO SPS Enquiry Point:1(mailto:uksp@defra.gov.uk).
Summary Answer
The referenced amendments to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (retained in Great Britain) do not revise import standards for milk, cheese, or yogurt. Instead, they introduce phytosanitary measures for:
- Seed imports of Solanum sisymbriifolium (requiring pest freedom certification and Phytosanitary Certificates)1.
- Three new provisional quarantine pests (Agrilus mali, Lonsdalea populi, Orgyia leucostigma), effective 9 November 20241.
For dairy product imports, consult UK food hygiene regulations (e.g., Regulation (EC) No 853/2004) and the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM). No changes to HS codes or dairy-specific requirements are included in the provided sources1.
Sources
- ↩ Amendments to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/G/SPS/NGBR50A1.pdf&Open=True