New processes for the movement of hay and straw from GB to NI

Date published: 21 January 2021

Following the end of the EU-UK transition period on 31 December 2020, new rules now apply when importing consignments of hay and straw from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has advised.

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Under the requirements of the Northern Ireland Protocol, and associated UK legislation, Northern Ireland remains within the EU Single Market and regulatory zone for animal health, plant health and for some aspects of public health protection.

This requires documentary, identity and physical checks to be carried out on relevant goods as they enter NI from GB.

Outlining the new rules for moving consignments of hay and straw from GB to NI which came into force on the 01 January, a DAERA spokesperson said: “From 1 January, before moving hay or straw from GB to NI the person responsible for the consignment must:

  • Be registered on TRACES NT (the EU’s Trade Control and Expert System).
  • At least 24 hours before entering NI, create a Common Health Entry Document for Products of Animal Origin (CHED P) on TRACES NT. This will pre-notify DAERA of the arrival of the consignment.
  • When completing the CHED P, input CN code 1214 90 90  for hay and  CN code 1213 00 00 for straw: and
  • Familiarise themselves with the conditions attached to the general import licence for hay and straw. 

A guidance note setting out each of these steps and links to further information.

“The website also contains information about other rule changes following EU Exit and provides guidance to assist business and individuals through these changes.”

You can also receive free notification of any new information or guidance by signing up to the DAERA EU Exit text alert service. Subscription is easy, simply text DAERAEUExitNews to 67300.

Notes to editors: 

  1. DAERA authorised officials will carry out documentary, identity and physical checks of consignments before goods can be cleared to leave the NI port.
  2. Providing all the documentation has been submitted correctly and within the correct timeframes, a large proportion of the documentary check can be completed in advance of the consignment’s arrival.
  3. Non-compliant consignments will not be allowed entry into NI.
  4. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office; pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk
  5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
  6. Follow DAERA on Twitter and Facebook

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