Export Procedures for Agricultural Machinery

For export procedures in the United Kingdom covering both new and used agricultural and forestry machinery, plant health certificates are not required for new agricultural machinery. On the other hand, exporting used machinery requires obtaining a Phytosanitary Certificate (PC).

To secure a PC, the following steps must be followed:

Make sure the machine is thoroughly cleaned, removing all soil and plant residue. It is the exporter's responsibility to confirm that every used machine meets EU sanitary standards. Failure to meet these standards will result in the PC being refused. The machine must be inspected by a plant health inspector before export. This inspection will take place at a location deemed safe and secure, as indicated in the export application. As the exporter, you are responsible for ensuring the machine is easily accessible for inspection and secure. The machine should be ready for export at the time of inspection. In addition, the phytosanitary certificate must include your name and address.

Some types of heavy equipment requiring a PC include:

• Ploughs, under commodity code 8432 10 00,
• Combine harvesters, under commodity code 8433 51 00,
• Agricultural tractors, marked with code 8701 94 10.

This update requires exporters to comply with the new regulations, ensuring that all agricultural equipment meets EU health standards before export.

For a lorry driver exporting machinery from the United Kingdom to Poland via Dover to Calais, here are concise guidelines:

Make sure the machine is clean and free of soil to meet phytosanitary requirements. Have the phytosanitary certificate issued in the United Kingdom ready for inspection. The chosen representative must have access to the TRACES NT system. They must enter the necessary details into the system to generate the CHED-PP number, which is required for the goods to pass inspection in Calais. On arrival in Calais, be prepared to present the CHED-PP at the designated Border Control Post (BCP). Make sure all required documents, including the commercial invoice, packing list and export declaration, are available.

Follow any specific instructions provided by the customs authorities at the BCP in Calais and at any subsequent BCPs on the way to other EU countries.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Exporting Used Agricultural and Forestry Machinery from the United Kingdom

1. Do I need to obtain a phytosanitary certificate for every used agricultural machine I export? Yes, every used agricultural or forestry machine exported from the United Kingdom to European Union countries must have a phytosanitary certificate (PC). This is a requirement that ensures the machine is free of soil and plant residue, which is essential for preventing the spread of plant diseases.

2. What steps do I need to take to obtain a phytosanitary certificate? First, make sure the machine is thoroughly cleaned of all soil and plant residue. The machine must then be inspected by a plant health inspector at a location deemed safe, as indicated in the export application. Following a successful inspection, the phytosanitary certificate will be issued.

3. Where can I register to obtain a phytosanitary certificate? The registration and application process for a phytosanitary certificate is carried out through the TRACES NT system, which is the EU's system for tracking the movement of goods. You can submit your request for a certificate through this system or contact the local agricultural or phytosanitary authority in the United Kingdom.

4. What are the consequences of not having a phytosanitary certificate when exporting agricultural machinery? Not having a phytosanitary certificate can result in the machine being refused entry across the border, which can lead to delays, additional costs related to storage and re-inspection, and possible financial penalties.

5. What documents are needed when crossing the border at Calais? In addition to the phytosanitary certificate, you must have with you the commercial invoice, packing list, export declaration, and the CHED-PP number generated in the TRACES NT system. All of these documents will be required for checks at the Border Control Post (BCP) in Calais.

6. Are there special requirements for cleaning machinery before export? Yes, machines must be thoroughly cleaned of all soil and plant material. This is critical for preventing the transfer of plant diseases and pests between countries.

7. What is the TRACES NT system and what role does it play in exporting? TRACES NT is the European Union's agricultural trade tracking system, which facilitates the exchange of information on the movement of goods between EU countries and from third countries. In the case of exporting used agricultural machinery, this system helps generate the necessary phytosanitary documents, such as the CHED-PP.

8. What is a CHED-PP number? CHED-PP is the Common Health Entry Document for Plants intended for planting, which is required for the phytosanitary inspection in the destination country or at the border. This number is generated in the TRACES NT system.

9. Do I need a special representative to handle the export process? Yes, it is recommended that a representative with access to the TRACES NT system handle the process of submitting notifications, generating documents and monitoring the export process, to ensure compliance with the requirements.