Download BCP directions 

Portsmouth is a UK Border Control Post, which means certain goods coming into the port from abroad will be inspected by a range of agencies. Portsmouth City Council’s Port Health Authority team is responsible for food safety and the control of infectious diseases, the government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Forestry Commission are responsible for animal, plant and wood products.

The port’s Border Control Post is ready to handle changes for goods coming into the UK from the EU, if you are an importer for certain products there are changes to how these are processed:

31 January: Health certification on imports of medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food (and feed) of non-animal origin

30 April: Introduction of documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks (known as SPS) on medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food (and feed) of non-animal origin from the EU

31 October: Safety and security declaration for EU imports will come into force.

We will be applying a Common User Charge (CUC) for goods in the categories below from 30 April. The CUC applies even if a consignment isn’t selected for SPS checks.

VAT is not applicable to these rates. They will be capped at five consignments per CHED (the health certificate).

These are inclusive of stevedoring costs at the BCP but you will be charged separately for the government’s APHA  inspection and Port Health Authority (PHA) charges, which can be found here.

You can set up an account in advance for the port’s Common User Charge by sending details to portfinance@portsmouth-port.co.uk please include:

• company name
• Invoicing address
• Email for invoices
• Contact telephone number
• Company registration number

For more information about what is classed as a low, medium or high risk product visit the government’s Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).