Controls following the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station to cover new products
The European Commission has published Regulation (EU) 2024/256 regarding controls of the radioactivity caused by the Chernobyl disaster. This Implementing Regulation amends Regulation (EU) 2020/1158. Annex II of the Implementing Regulation lists new foodstuffs that are particularly affected by radiation, such as certain berries and mushrooms. In addition, products manufactured from the natural berries and mushrooms in question are subject to intensified controls, as are products containing those ingredients. In turn, consignments that contain for example only cultivated mushrooms or berries are not subject to intensified controls. The implementing regulation will take effect on 7 February 2024.
Before import, check if your products are under intensified import controls
In future, under intensified import controls foods must be accompanied by a standard-form official certificate when they are imported from certain countries (see Annex I of the Regulation). For example, mushrooms of the Agaricus and Cantharellus genera and all berries of the Vaccinium genus are such products (see Annex II of the Regulation).
In addition, a notice of consignments of such products must be submitted through the TRACES system, and such consignments may only be imported through certain approved border control posts (BCPs). The BCPs approved for foods of non-animal origin in Finland are Vaalimaa (closed for now), Helsinki Airport and Vuosaari Harbour. 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.
Transition period for new products listed in Annex II
Imports of new products listed in Annex II are subject to a transition period until 7 March 2024. During the transition period, an official certificate issued by an authority is not required for the products. However, TRACES notices are required, and consignments must enter Finland through approved border control posts.
More information
Intensified import controls