Official Controls Regulation (EU) 2017/625 establishes the EU framework for official controls across the agri-food chain, including at Border Control Posts for imports, setting how competent authorities plan, perform and follow up on inspections and enforcement.
In trade practice
When frozen fruit, vegetables, honey or other agri-food products enter the EU from Ukraine, they are subject to official controls at a designated Border Control Post, where documentary, identity and physical checks may be carried out under this regulation. The frequency and nature of checks can be increased for specific product and origin combinations where risks have been identified, and such enhanced controls are published in implementing acts. Importers should ensure that all required documentation is complete before arrival to avoid delays caused by failed documentary checks. Competent authorities may order detention, re-dispatch or destruction of non-compliant consignments under the enforcement powers the regulation provides.
In a specification
Import contracts and logistics instructions should reference the possibility of official controls under Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and allocate responsibility for costs arising from detention or additional sampling between the parties.