SRSF – smart rules, safer food – what is it all about?

SRSF is the process of combining 70 current EU regulations into a new and updated format. There will be 3 principal new EU regulations:

• Official Controls Regulation (EU) 2017/625: how controls across the agri-food chain will be monitored and enforced –  from 14th December 2019
• Plant Health Regulation (EU) 2016/2031: controls for protecting plants from disease and pests – from 14th December 2019
• Animal Health Regulation (EU) 2016/429: a framework for the principles of European animal health –  from 21st April 2021

These regulations will be implemented while the UK remains an EU member state, and will continue to apply during any transition period. In the event of ‘no-deal’, the rules will be retained although subject to change by Parliament.

 OCR-EU Official Controls Reg. 2017/625

This covers things such as :

• food/food safety – at all stages of production
• animal health and welfare
• reducing risk to human health
• organic products
• plant pests, pesticides
• GMO

It specifies how inspections, audit and sampling can take place and ensure consistency across the entire agri-food chain. Also now included are plants. plant products and animal by-products.

There is more emphasis on prevention, a risk based approach and a review of fees incurred.

EU Plant Health Reg. 2016/2031

This will repeal directive 2000/29 and will affect such things as:-

• plant passports
• phytosanitary certificates
• new approach to pest control
• restrictions of certain movements
• operator registration

EU Animal Health Reg. 2016/429

This is due to be implemented from 21st April 2021 and concerns:-

• animal health disease outbreak procedures
• protecting public health
• minimising disruption to farmers
• ensuring food safety
• environmental protection
• biosecurity
• encouraging smooth trade in animals/animal products

TRACES NT

From 14th December 2019, there will be a new TRACES NT system for imports to the UK and EU of animals and animal products from third countries.

You must create a new EU log in account and request to register for TRACES NT.

TRACES classic will continue to be used for intra-EU trade

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any other information or to see if we are able to help. We will continue to provide any updates as necessary.

For more information please see:-

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