Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) are a government department whose responsibilities cover a vast array of areas within the United Kingdom, their aim is to provide, through their differing divisions and offices, ‘A better quality of life for everyone now and for future generations to come ‘

The main objectives of Defra are to protect and improve the rural, urban and global environment in which we live.

Some products imported into the United Kingdom, knowingly or otherwise could upset or even harm our surroundings and lives, therefore checks need to be put in place to ensure that we have a safe environment for us to get on with our everyday lives.

They are also look to control Illegal imports, again knowingly or otherwise from being imported such as exotic animal diseases, pest threats and other diseases.

Most of the areas which are covered by Defra and the tasks they carry out on a day to day basis happen without us even knowing however, if the department have concerns regarding your products and their possible effect on our community you will be requested to provide further information via your agent to satisfy that all guidelines are met.

Defra DO have the power to detain your import from entering the United Kingdom if they are no wholly satisfied with either the goods or the information provided therefore if you have a product which may need clarification, you should seek to check this prior to shipment to the UK.

If you are have the slightest doubt whether or not Defra would be interested in your import, it is a good idea to check directly with them, click here for your regional Defra office.

Or to e-mail the help line: - helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

For more detailed information, visit their website – www.defra.gov.uk