last updated: 09/07/2025
Moving fruit and vegetables from GB to Northern Ireland
If you move plant produce such as fruit, vegetables or cut flowers from GB to Northern Ireland (NI), please refer to the guidance on the NI Retail Movement Scheme.
Fruit and vegetables moved from GB to NI need to enter through designated points of entry and meet the requirements for EU marketing standards for fresh fruit and vegetables.
A risk-based approach applies to controls on fruit and vegetables from GB at points of entry into NI. In line with the very low risk posed by GB goods, Specific Marketing Standard (SMS) and General Marketing Standard (GMS) goods can be released into free circulation in NI without needing a GB certificate of conformity (CoC). This may change on the basis of risk.
Exporting fruit and vegetables from GB to the EU
You need to follow third country import requirements in the EU marketing standards regulations if you export fruit and vegetables from GB to the EU.
Produce subject to Specific Marketing Standard (SMS) requires a CoC to clear export customs processes in GB. A CoC can be requested by contacting SASA’s Horticulture and Marketing Unit.
You do not need a CoC for commodities covered by the General Marketing Standard (GMS) to clear GB customs.
The European Commission has granted the UK Approved Inspection Service (AIS) status for fruit and vegetables. AIS allows exporters of produce grown in GB to use a GB-issued CoC when obtaining customs clearance in the EU. A proportion of consignments may be checked at the point of import to ensure conformity with the EU marketing standards.
The AIS scheme can only be used for produce grown in GB. The scheme cannot be used for re-exports of third country produce from GB to the EU. Re-exports of third country produce are subject to the EU’s third country import requirements.
Importing fruit and vegetables from the EU to GB
Fruit and vegetables grown in the EU and imported into GB are currently exempt from both marketing standards controls and plant health inspections. Changes to these requirements are not expected to be introduced before 1 February 2027.
Exporting and Importing fruit and vegetables between non-EU countries and GB
There are no changes to existing GB marketing standards processes for exporting or importing fruit and vegetables directly between GB and non-EU countries.
GREEN BANANAS
Exporting green bananas from GB to the EU and non-EU countries
You do not need an inspection or exemption certificate for green bananas to clear UK customs.
You must check that you meet the quality and labelling rules for the country you’re exporting to before sending your consignment. Exports to the EU will need to follow third country import requirements in the EU marketing standards for bananas.
Importing green bananas from the EU and non-EU countries to GB
Green bananas imported to GB from EU countries do not need to go through marketing standards controls. These are not expected to be introduced before 1 February 2027.
An inspection certificate is needed for imports of green bananas from EU countries to GB.
If you’re an exempt trader, you are exempt for the period that your exemption certificate remains valid and do not require a GB inspection certificate when importing green bananas.
You need to provide notifications about your consignment through the IPAFFS system or by contacting SASA’s Horticulture and Marketing Unit. Both exempt traders and traders that are not exempt must do this.
If you require any further information please contact SASA's Horticulture and Marketing Unit on hort.marketing@gov.scot.
For further information please see also the UK Government website on: Fresh fruit and vegetable marketing standards.
SASA