Export of pet food to the UK – veterinary requirements [2026]

TL;DR

Quick definition

It is an Animal By-Product (ABP). Pet food (if containing meat, milk, fish) is treated as strictly as food for human consumption. Your facility in Poland must be approved for export to third countries (GLW list). Each batch must have Commercial Identification Document (Commercial Document) or Health Certificate (depending on risk).

Pet food (if containing meat, milk, fish) is treated as strictly as food for human consumption. It is an Animal By-Product (ABP).

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Expert procedure

1. Your facility in Poland must be approved for export to third countries (GLW list). 2. Each batch must have Commercial Identification Document (Commercial Document) or Health Certificate (depending on risk). 3. Declaration in the IPAFFS system in the UK. 4. Entry via BCP.

Labelling

Pet food labels must comply with British standards (GB Pet Food Regulations).

Analytical composition.
Dietary supplements.
Distributor data in the UK.

What the current official guidance means in practice

For operational work, the current procedural rules, declaration fields and relief conditions should be checked directly against the official guidance. For this topic, the core reference points are European Commission, GOV.UK / HMRC.

Operational watch-outs

Most delays come from inconsistent data between the commercial invoice, packing list, tariff classification, reference numbers and transport assumptions. Before shipment release, confirm who is responsible for clearance, whether the data set is complete and when the declaration must be filed.

Documents and data to prepare

The minimum working pack worth preparing before speaking to customs support or filing a declaration includes:

commercial invoice with a complete goods description
packing list with quantities, weight and package count
HS/CN code and origin information
EORI number and the party responsible for the declaration

Practical notes for UK-PL operators

For regular flows, keep a stable data template: goods description, HS code, origin, Incoterms, carrier details and source documents. This shortens response time and reduces border corrections.

Official sources

EU Commission (Customs procedures) — European Commission, 2026-03-04
UK GOV (Importing into the UK) — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04
GOV.UK: Customs Declaration Service — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04

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