Farmers advised of new rules for importing hay and straw after Brexit

The Department of Agriculture said 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 Northern Ireland from GB.

Outlining the new rules for moving consignments of hay and straw, a DAERA spokesperson said: “From January 1, 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 is available on the DAERA website at www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/moving-hay-and-straw-gb

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