Para-customs services: PIF Inspections to protect health and safety
Para-customs controls are mandatory technical and health inspections applied to certain types of goods at the borders of the European Union. They are carried out in coordination with customs but are managed by specialised inspectors from ministries such as Health, Agriculture, or Trade.
1. Health Control (Foreign Health)
This control focuses on protecting public health, and it is governed by these parameters:
Scope
Applies to products for human consumption, such as processed foods, beverages, dietary supplements, cosmetics, hygiene products, and toys. The objective is to ensure that these products do not contain harmful substances and are safe for consumption.
Key Documentation
A Health or Quality Certificate is required, which must accompany the goods and be validated by the health authority of the country of origin.
Process
Foreign Health inspectors review the documentation and may carry out a physical check to verify temperature, labelling, or take samples for laboratory analysis. Once the inspection is completed, if it is compliant, a document certifying this is issued and incorporated into the customs file.
2. Phytosanitary Control (Plant Health)
This control aims to protect plant health and the environment:
Scope
Applies to plants, plant products (fruits, vegetables, cereals), wood, seeds, and forest products. The regulations seek to prevent the entry of pests, bacteria, and diseases that could affect EU agriculture and ecosystems.
Key Documentation
The goods must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of origin.
Process
Plant Health inspectors review the certificate and may conduct a visual inspection to verify the condition of the goods and the absence of pests.
3. Veterinary Control (Animal Health)
This control is fundamental to protecting animal and human health from zoonotic diseases:
Scope
Applies to live animals and all products of animal origin such as meat, fish, dairy products, hides, and animal by-products.
Key Documentation
An Official Veterinary Certificate is required, certifying that the animals or products comply with EU health standards. Pre-notification of arrival is managed through the TRACES electronic system.
Process
Goods are unloaded at the PIF, where veterinarians inspect the products to verify their state of preservation, temperature, and absence of disease signs.
The general inspection process
For all these controls, the general process is as follows:
Prior Notification
The importer or their customs agent must notify the inspection services of the goods' arrival through an electronic platform.
Documentary Control
The inspector reviews all certificates and documents.
Identity Control
It is verified that the batch of goods matches the documentation.
Physical Control
A direct inspection is carried out, and, if necessary, samples are taken for laboratory analysis.
These services are crucial and function as a "security filter" at the EU border, ensuring that only safe and quality products reach the market. In all cases, if the goods pass control, the department conducting the inspection issues a certificate of conformity that is incorporated into the customs file, and if rejected, the goods cannot enter EU territory, being returned to their origin or designated for destruction.
Related Documentation
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