Import of food from third countries: guidance for food authorities

Last updated:
14 December 2015
The Food Standards Agency has issued guidance for the import of food from third countries (non-European Union countries) for enforcement officers at ports and inland local authorities.

Developed with a group of key stakeholders, and following comments from a public consultation, the guidance forms part of the FSA's Framework Agreement with local authorities on their planning and delivery of food law enforcement services. Issues covered include: authorisation of officers, examination and sampling requirements, record-keeping, local enforcement arrangements and dealing with illegal imports outside Border Inspection Posts.

The guidance can be found below in Chapter 5.5 of the Food Law Practice Guidance for England and in Annex 12 of the Food Law Practice Guidance for Wales and for Northern Ireland.

Related content
PDF file Food Law Practice Guidance (England) 2015(2.25 MB)
PDF file Food Law Practice Guidance (Wales)(1.98 MB)
Issued November 2012
PDF file Food Law Practice Guidance (Northern Ireland)(1.63 MB)
Issued October 2012
Related pages

Framework Agreement

The Framework Agreement on Official Feed and Food Controls by Local Authorities provides the Agency with a mechanism for implementing its powers under the Food Standards Act to influence and oversee local authority enforcement activity.