Changes to controls of composite foods imported from outside the EU from the beginning of next year

Do you import composite products containing both products of plant origin and processed products of animal origin from outside the EU? On 1 January 2025, Customs starts checking private attestations for products exempted from official controls.

Composite products refer to composite foods as defined in Article 2, point (21) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2292, which contain ingredients of plant and animal origin. Controls of composite products imported from outside the EU are mainly the responsibility of the Finnish Food Authority, but in certain situations, the responsibility for controls may lie with Customs. The composite products controlled by Customs must not contain any processed meat. 

Find out whether a private attestation is required for a food

As the importer, you must find out the commodity code, ingredients and production method of the goods before import. If you are importing e.g. noodles or other foods of plant origin, find out if there are any ingredients of animal origin in the seasoning mix or sauce accompanying the food.

If the food contains e.g. processed milk or egg, is shelf-stable, its CN code is listed in the Annex to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/630 and its description is in accordance with column 2 of the list, the product is exempt from official controls at border control posts. Despite this, the product must be accompanied by a private attestation completed and signed by the importer. The private attestation shall correspond to the model set out in Annex V to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2235.

Customs will check the private attestations from 1 January 2025

On the Customs website, you can find more specific definitions of composite foods that are exempted from official controls at border control posts but that require a private attestation. These products are subject to food controls by Customs. The private attestation forms in Finnish, Swedish and English as well as the completion instructions for them are also available on the website.

Customs starts checking private attestations on 1 January 2025. Customs can also control the compliance of these products in accordance with its own control plan.

More information: rajatarkastusvalvonta@tulli.fi