Sanitary and import - what do you need to know before clearing customs?

Sanitary inspection and imports is one of the key topics that importers often find out about ... too late. The importation of food and food-contact goods involves additional formal requirements, the fulfilment of which is a prerequisite for the possibility of import clearance and the release of goods on the EU market.

In practice, this means one thing: sanitary import procedures are not a formality, which can be left to the last moment. Their proper planning has a real impact on clearance times, storage costs, the risk of cargo downtime and the smoothness of the entire import process.

👉 Therefore, we encourage you to watch Target Tips, in which Marcin Szreder of Alfa Customs Agency explains step by step, when sanitary importation matters, what goods are subject to inspection and how to prepare for customs clearance without unnecessary delays.

When is sanitary clearance required for imports?

Sanepid is involved in the import process for goods that:

• are food,
• come into direct or indirect contact with food,
• can affect the health safety of consumers.

In such cases lack of sanitary approval prevents import customs clearance, regardless of whether the remaining customs documentation is complete. This is why sanitary and customs clearance are so closely interlinked.

Why do sanitary procedures need to be considered as early as the import planning stage?

One of the most common mistakes made by importers is to treat Sanitary procedures as a step „along the way”. However, it is sanitary import procedures often decide:

• time of release,
• risk of cargo downtime,
• additional storage or testing costs,
• liquidity of further distribution.

The better planned the formal process, the lower the risk of delays and unforeseen consequences on the part of the importer.

Sanitary and import - what is the procedure?

Sanitary related procedures include:

• declaration of the goods to the competent authority,
• analysis of documentation,
• an assessment of whether additional measures (e.g. tests or visual inspections) are required,
• issuance of a decision allowing further clearance procedures.

Depending on the type of goods and the completeness of the documents, Sanitary import process may run smoothly or require additional action. The correct sequence of paperwork and experience in dealing with this type of case is crucial.

How can we help as Alfa Customs Agency?

As Alfa Customs Agency we support importers in the comprehensive transition of the sanitary and customs procedures, ensuring their consistency with the entire import process.

Amongst others, we help with:

• notification of goods to the Sanitary Inspectorate,
• contact with the relevant inspectorate,
• completion and verification of documents,
• support with any research and visual inspections,
• the safe conduct of the import up to the release of the goods.

Thanks to this Sanitary importation is not a barrier to clearance, but part of a planned and predictable process.

Why is it important to take an informed approach to the Sanitary Inspectorate when importing?

Well-planned imports are not only about transport and customs documents, but also about compliance with sanitary requirements. An informed approach to Sanitary procedures allows:

• reduce the risk of downtime,
• avoid additional costs,
• keep supplies flowing,
• safely enter the EU market.

Do you have questions about food importation or Sanepid procedures?

If you are planning to import food or goods that come into contact with food and you want to be sure to customs clearance will proceed smoothly and in accordance with the rules - contact us.

See also: returned goods - when can you recover duty and VAT?

Sanitation and imports and other issues - Stay up to date - watch us on the Linkedin channel