Using the PEACH system to import plants and fresh produce

Introduction

The Procedure for Electronic Application for Certificates (PEACH) is an online tool for fulfilling a number of important requirements when importing plants or fresh produce into the UK from outside the European Community.

Imported fresh produce must comply with Europe-wide marketing standards, and PEACH can be used to apply for a Certificate of Conformity to confirm that these standards have been met.
 
Imports of plants and plant products must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate to confirm their health. You must provide advance notice through PEACH that a consignment is about to enter the UK.

This guide explains how to register with and use PEACH. It outlines the regulations that PEACH can help you comply with, and it sets out the steps involved in using PEACH to apply for a Certificate of Conformity or to pre-notify plant health-controlled imports.

PEACH applies to England and Wales but not Scotland or Northern Ireland. However, it does apply to Scottish and Northern Ireland businesses, whose imports arrive from either England or Wales. Scottish importers should contact the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate on Tel 08457 741 741. Those from Northern Ireland should contact the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Helpline on Tel 028 9052 4999.

Find out more about food sector regulations in our guides on trading in fruit, vegetables and plant products, food labelling and packaging in international trade and food hygiene controls.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• An overview of the PEACH system
• How to open a PEACH account
• Using the PEACH system
• The laws PEACH can help you to comply with
• How to apply for a Certificate of Conformity using PEACH
• Import Risk Assessment for goods requiring a Certificate of Conformity
• How to pre-notify your plant-health controlled imports using PEACH
• Making the most of PEACH

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