United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – Export requirements for honey and apiculture products

The information presented below is subject to change.

Notice

Export requirements for Northern Ireland are different from those of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Distinct requirements are as follows:

Northern Ireland: see export requirements and certificates for the European Union (EU)

On this page United Kingdom (UK) also includes Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

Eligible/ineligible product

The UK has simplified requirements for imports from non-EU countries. This includes:

  • removal of health certification for export and routine checks on low risk animal products, plants, plant products from non-EU countries; and
  • reduction in physical and identity check levels on medium risk animal products from non-EU countries.

Eligible

  • All Canadian origin honey and apiculture products

Ineligible

  • Honey and apiculture products from origins not assessed by UK under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).
  • Blends of honey which contain product from an origin not assessed under the BTOM.

Canadian origin honey and apiculture products have been categorized by the UK as low risk food products. As of April 30, 2024, consignments of Canadian origin honey and apiculture products do not need a CFIA-issued health certificate.

Multi-origin honey blends

The UK's risk categorization of multi-origin blends of honey depends on the countries of origin of the individual honeys in the blend. The highest risk origin within the blend determines the overall risk categorization of the product. For example, a blend of low risk origin and medium risk origin honey is considered a medium risk product.

Note: Blends which include honey from an unassessed origin are not permitted entry to the UK.

For the list of Permitted countries, please refer to the UK Guidance: Check import risk categories, inspection rates and related rules for animals and animal products imported from non-EU countries to Great Britain.

For more information on honey and apiculture product risk categories, please refer to Table 2f of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) risk categories and inspection rates for animal and animal product imports from non-EU countries to Great Britain: summary tables.

Labelling, packaging and marking requirements

Exported products must meet certain packaging and labelling requirements depending on their final destination (Great Britain and/or Northern Ireland). The exporter must work closely with the importer to ensure the compliance of their products.

Documentation requirements

Low risk consignments, such as Canadian origin honey and apiculture products, must be accompanied by a Commercial Document completed by the supplier; the supplier may also be the exporter.

For more information on the required Commercial Document, please refer to the UK's guidance, Import food and drink from the EU to Great Britain.

Additional information

Transit requirements

Exported products transiting through a third country may require transit documentation. It is the responsibility of the exporter to ensure that the shipment will be accompanied by all necessary certificates. Please work closely with your importer.

Checks at Border Control Points (BCP)

Products must continue to enter the UK through a point of entry with a border control post (BCP) that is designated to check the commodity. As of April 30, 2024, low risk consignments, such as Canadian origin honey and apiculture products, will not be subject to routine documentary, identity and physical checks. However, checks may still be undertaken by the UK when intelligence indicates a specific risk.

Export of samples

Samples (personal or commercial) of products may be subject to the same requirements as a regular shipment. A special import permit could be required. It is strongly recommended that the exporter verify these requirements with their importer and/or with the border control post where the products will be shipped.

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