Written question asked by Neil Hudson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 May 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 June 2023 (named day). It was answered by Mark Spencer (Conservative) on Monday, 5 June 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Animals: Customs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s inspections regime at (a) the Port of Dover and (b) other UK ports for animals suspected of contravening regulations on (i) smuggling and (ii) biosecurity.

Answer: The inspections that take place at Dover, as well as other UK ports, are part of a broader end to end risk and or intelligence based import regime including official veterinary certification from exporting countries, Welfare in Transport Regulations and other regulatory frameworks that are used to manage biosecurity risks and the welfare of animals entering the country. These regulatory frameworks are based on current risk levels and can change if disease risk levels change.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 186539
Session: 2022-23
Subjects: Animals Customs Disease control Ports Smuggling Animal and Plant Health Agency
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk