In August, the European Commission published a new regulation (EU) No 2020/1158 regarding controls of the radioactivity caused by the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station. The regulation applies to foods that are particularly susceptible to the effects of radioactive radiation, including mushrooms and wild berries.
In future, certain foods must be accompanied by a standard form official certificate when they are imported from certain countries (see Annex I of the Regulation). Such products include mushrooms of the genus Agaricus, wild cranberries and bilberries (see Annex II of the Regulation). In addition, a notice of consignments of such products must be submitted through the Traces NT system, and such consignments may only be imported through certain approved border control posts (BCPs). Currently, the BCPs approved for foods of non-animal origin in Finland are Valimaa, Helsinki Airport and Vuosaari Harbour (Hakuninmaa border control post). The products are inspected either at the BPC or at a warehouse of the importer that has been approved as a control point (CP) other than a designated BPC.
No advance notice need be submitted to Traces NT for imports of foods other than those mentioned in the new regulation, and such foods need not be imported through a BCP.
Further information about the BCPs and other CPs:
New controls regulation
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2020/1158
