We manage SPS import requirements for goods entering Ireland, ensuring compliance with EU regulations and smooth clearance at border control.
Understanding SPS Imports
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) import controls are part of EU regulations designed to protect public health, food safety, and agricultural standards. These controls apply to the import of regulated and high-risk goods entering Ireland.
SPS imports require strict documentation, pre-notification, and compliance checks before goods can be cleared for entry.
SPS goods include products of animal origin such as meat, dairy, and fish, as well as plants and plant products. They also include certain food and feed products of non-animal origin that fall into high-risk categories, along with composite products that contain both plant and animal ingredients.
SPS controls are in place to prevent the spread of disease and pests, ensure food safety standards are met, and protect ecosystems and agricultural industries within Ireland and the EU.
Since Brexit, SPS controls now apply to goods entering Ireland from the UK. This has introduced additional documentation and compliance requirements for businesses importing regulated goods.
Importers must now complete TRACES pre-notifications, provide health certificates, and ensure goods pass through border checks at Irish ports.
Common issues include missing or incorrect documentation, delays due to inspections, and lack of familiarity with SPS procedures, all of which can disrupt shipments.
Import Requirements Explained
SPS goods entering Ireland are subject to mandatory checks and must pass through designated Border Control Posts (BCPs). These requirements ensure that all regulated goods meet EU safety and compliance standards before entering the market.
Pre-notification and accurate documentation must be completed before goods arrive to avoid delays.
Importers must submit pre-notifications through the TRACES system, provide health certificates issued by the exporting country, and supply all supporting commercial documentation.
At the border, goods are subject to documentary checks, identity verification, and physical inspections where required, depending on the type of goods and associated risk level.
TRACES is the EU system used to manage SPS imports and ensure compliance across member states. It is required for submitting pre-notifications and tracking regulated goods entering Ireland.
TRACES is used to submit Common Health Entry Documents (CHED), track the movement of SPS goods, and communicate with border authorities during the clearance process.
CHED-A applies to live animals, CHED-P covers products of animal origin, CHED-D applies to food and feed of non-animal origin, and CHED-PP is used for plants and plant products.
Complete SPS Support
We provide end-to-end SPS import support for businesses importing controlled goods into Ireland. Our service ensures full compliance with Irish and EU regulations while reducing the risk of delays or rejected shipments.
We manage the submission of SPS pre-notifications through TRACES, ensuring that all CHED documentation is completed accurately and submitted on time. We coordinate closely with importers and authorities to ensure compliance.
We set up and manage TRACES accounts, prepare and submit CHED forms, and carry out detailed data accuracy and compliance checks before submission.
We assist with preparing all required documentation, including health certificates and supporting paperwork, ensuring that everything meets EU regulatory standards.
Typical documents include health certificates, commercial invoices, packing lists, and transport documentation, all of which must be accurate and complete.
We liaise directly with Border Control Posts (BCPs) to ensure a smooth inspection and clearance process for your goods.
We handle inspection bookings where required, communicate with authorities on your behalf, and resolve any issues that arise at the border.
We provide specialist support for regulated and high-risk imports, ensuring that all SPS requirements are met for sensitive goods.
These include meat and dairy products, fresh produce, animal feed, and other controlled food products subject to SPS regulations.
An SPS import refers to the import of goods that are subject to sanitary and phytosanitary controls due to their potential impact on health, food safety, or agriculture.
TRACES is the EU system used to manage SPS imports and submit pre-notifications, ensuring compliance and traceability across member states.
A CHED (Common Health Entry Document) is required for SPS goods and must be submitted through TRACES before the goods arrive.
Not all food imports require SPS checks, but certain categories, especially high-risk goods, are subject to strict controls.
Incorrect documentation can result in delays, rejection of goods, or in some cases destruction of the shipment.
Clearance time depends on documentation accuracy and whether inspections are required, but correct preparation helps avoid delays.
Contact our team by phone, email, or enquiry form to get support with your SPS imports. We respond quickly and guide you through every step of the process.
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