As one of the UK’s largest providers of veterinary import inspections, we’ve built up vast knowledge and experience over the course of our proud history.

Our dedicated team of Portal Official Veterinarians carry out this crucial work at ports and airports nationwide – and one of our longest-serving colleagues is Patrik Vazan who has over 20 years’ experience.

During his time as part of the E&J team, Patrik has seen huge growth in our import inspection services, including at East Midlands Airport where he’s been based since 2018.

“At that time, our contract was just for three hours per week and the throughput was 43 shipments per year,” he explained. “Now, we have a full-time contract, 37.5 hours per week, and the throughput in 2023 was 581 shipments.”

The role of our Portal Official Veterinarians is to carry out checks on Products of Animal Origin entering our borders – and Patrik’s recent involvement in an operation against African Swine Fever is a prime example of the importance of our mission to protect consumers and animal welfare.

Working at East Midlands, Birmingham and Bristol airports with DEFRA, Border Force, the Food Standards Agency, North West Leicestershire District Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Bristol Port Health Authority and North Somerset Council, Patrik has played a vital role in preventing the illegal imports of pork coming to the UK on Eastern European flights.

“My mission and biggest challenge are illegal imports and improving the effectiveness of Import Controls,” Patrik said.

“I’m very passionate about working as a Portal Official Veterinarian and extremely proud to play a part in protecting consumers and animal health. I’ve built up great relationships with a number of Port Health Authorities and will continue to do so come 2024.”

By carrying out these documentary, identity and physical checks on goods, our team of vets safeguard the health of 60 million consumers each year and our crucially important role in the food chain is only set to get greater.

The government’s new Border Operating Model for both EU and non-EU goods is set to be introduced on April 30th, and we’re stepping up our Official Controls and consultancy services to ensure importers are ready for the new rules and regulations.

Our vets are here to support you every step of the way to ensure you have everything in place to comply with these changes, with a flexible range of packages to suit all your needs, whether you’re an occasional or high-volume importer.

For more information on these services, go to the Portal Inspection page.

Or to speak with a member of our Portal team, contact 01132 840 400 or enquiries@eandj.co.uk