Recent discussions around trade agreements and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures often focus on the high-level benefits of facilitating trade, reducing costs, and simplifying processes. However, behind these policy frameworks lies the practical reality of implementing import controls at Border Control Posts (BCPs), where veterinary professionals are responsible for ensuring that biosecurity is not compromised while trade continues to flow.
In this article, our National Technical Lead for Imports, Patricia Gonzalez, details the complexities of import controls at Border Control Posts and reflects on the crucial role of veterinary professionals at our borders.
Although SPS measures are designed to harmonise requirements and reduce friction at the border, their effectiveness depends heavily on the integrity of certification, the accuracy of information provided by exporting countries, and the ability of competent authorities to apply controls consistently. In practice, these elements are not always perfectly aligned. For Official Veterinarians working at BCPs, this translates into the need to interpret regulatory requirements in real time, often under operational pressure and with incomplete or evolving information.
Each consignment presented for entry into the country is subject to a combination of documentary, identity, and, where required, physical checks. While this process is well established in legislation, its application is rarely straightforward. In practice, it is not uncommon to encounter consignments with minor discrepancies in certification that require further assessment before a decision can be made. Health certificates may contain inconsistencies in establishment approval numbers, dates, or product descriptions, which may or may not affect the validity of the consignment. In other cases, more significant issues arise, including missing attestations, incorrect application of regionalisation measures, or certification that does not reflect the current disease status of the exporting zone.
Changes in the disease situation add an extra layer of complexity to the work at BCPs. New outbreaks of diseases such as avian influenza or African swine fever can lead to immediate changes in import conditions, sometimes while consignments are already in transit. This can result in situations where documentation was compliant at the point of dispatch but no longer meets the requirements by the time it reaches the border. Situations like this require careful interpretation of updated rules, including any transitional measures or safeguard actions, as well as a clear understanding of how the disease is spreading and what the actual level of risk is.
In this context, decision-making becomes a critical component of the role. The veterinary professional must assess whether non-compliances represent a negligible administrative error or a material risk to biosecurity. This distinction is not always clear cut. Approving a consignment that does not fully meet requirements could potentially facilitate the introduction of a notifiable disease or other hazard. On the other hand, rejecting or delaying goods can disrupt supply chains, create financial losses, and put pressure on the system.
The application of a risk-based approach is therefore essential. This involves considering factors such as the type of commodity, its treatment and intended use, the disease status of the country or region of origin, and the reliability of the certification system in place. It also requires awareness of emerging risks, including those associated with illegal or undeclared movements of products, which may bypass official controls altogether.
Another key challenge lies in the variability of standards and practices between trading partners. While international frameworks aim to promote equivalence, differences in interpretation and implementation can still lead to inconsistencies in certification. This places additional responsibility on border officials to identify and manage these discrepancies while avoiding unnecessary delays or disruption to trade.
Import controls are often described in terms of procedures and regulatory frameworks, but their effectiveness ultimately depends on the people applying them. Veterinarians and inspectors at BCPs operate in an environment characterised by high volumes, time sensitivity, and constant change. Maintaining consistency in decision-making requires not only technical competence but also access to timely guidance, clear communication channels with central authorities, and continuous training.
As global trade continues to expand and supply chains become more complex, the pressure on border systems will inevitably increase. At the same time, the risk of introduction of animal diseases remains ever present, as demonstrated by recent events across Europe and beyond. Border Control Posts represent a critical point of defence, but their effectiveness ultimately depends on the systems in place and the decisions made on the ground.
Ultimately, there is a clear distinction between policy and practice. While agreements may aim to simplify processes and facilitate trade, the reality at the border involves careful assessment, professional judgement, and a constant need to stay alert. Ensuring that this reality is recognised and adequately supported is essential if import controls are to remain effective in safeguarding animal health, public health, and the integrity of the food chain.
Want to know more about import controls? You can find out about our Portal Inspection services, here: Portal Inspection – E&J
