Importing high-risk food from China to the UK
Before booking freight, match the exact food and origin to current restrictions, confirm an authorised entry point, and agree who handles notification and certificates. Keep the shipment on hold until the document pack is ready. Cambridge China Bridge can coordinate factory information through its own staff in China.
Define the food and destination before ordering
Start with a product file: ingredients, processing method, intended use, country of origin, factory details and proposed commodity code. Ask for the actual recipe rather than a sales description. Use our commodity code guide to prepare the classification questions for your broker.
This shipment plan concerns entry into Great Britain, meaning England, Scotland and Wales. The FSA high-risk food guidance now published on GOV.UK applies to Northern Ireland. Check the destination shown on each official page before using its instructions, particularly if you intend to move stock onwards. For onward movements under UKIMS, see our guide to UKIMS consignment evidence records.
Check the current listing against the exact product
Open the FSA's current Foodstuffs with GB import restrictions publication and examine its China entries. Compare the product description, form, ingredients and origin with your file. Ask the port health authority to confirm the applicable listing, annex, controlled hazard and any separate emergency measure where the match is unclear.
The publication warns that its legislative links may not be the latest versions and that import conditions can change. Record the page and version checked, then repeat the check before dispatch. Treat an old supplier certificate or a previous shipment as background evidence, rather than approval for this order.
Confirm the entry point before booking freight
Restricted consignments can only enter through designated border control points. Use the official port or airport list and confirm that the chosen facility is designated for your commodity. Send the authority your product file and proposed route; ask about document submission, inspection arrangements, opening times and charges before accepting the freight booking.
Ask the forwarder to identify the actual arrival facility in writing, including any transhipment. Agree who will arrange access to the goods if they are examined, and budget for storage and delivery changes. Keep the general clearance work alongside this plan using our UK customs clearance guide.
Agree notification and certificate responsibilities
For Great Britain, notify the border control post through IPAFFS at least one working day before expected arrival. Name the person submitting the notification and a backup contact. Give them the confirmed arrival details and document pack early, and agree how they will handle changes.
Official guidance requires laboratory analyses, official health certificates and commercial documents for food under the specified emergency controls. Confirm which requirements apply to your product before arranging sampling. Where certification applies, use the relevant current model certificate; the exporting country's competent authority should use that model to create the certificate exporters apply for.
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Set a dispatch gate and plan the border hold
Before authorising loading, reconcile the product description, batch references, weights, exporter, consignee and destination across the reports, certificates and shipping documents. Ask who issues each document, when you will see it and how it accompanies the goods. Our customs document guide covers the ordinary invoice, packing list and transport paperwork.
Do not remove the consignment from the border control post or customs clearance area until inspectors have completed and validated the common health entry document. Avoid promising a fixed warehouse delivery date before that release. Keep the notification, final documents and release evidence together, and ask Cambridge China Bridge's China staff to resolve factory discrepancies before dispatch. For failed checks, see our guide to food consignments failing UK border checks.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check whether my Chinese food is high risk?
Compare its exact description, form and origin with the current FSA restrictions publication. Ask port health to confirm the applicable listing and controls if the description or ingredients leave doubt.
Can I use any UK port for high-risk food?
Restricted consignments must use a designated border control point. Check the official list and confirm that the facility can handle your particular commodity before booking.
When must I notify a high-risk food shipment?
For Great Britain, notify through IPAFFS at least one working day before expected arrival at the entry point. Agree who submits it and who updates changed arrival details.
Is the factory's test report enough?
Do not assume so. Confirm the applicable controls, required laboratory evidence and official certificate with port health. Match the evidence to the actual batch before authorising dispatch.