Northwest Horticultural Council
Export Manual
NORTHERN IRELAND
Capital: BelfastPopulation: 1,941,076 (2024)
Currency: Pound sterling
Official Language(s): English
As of January 1, 2021, following the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU, Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) began establishing their own maximum reside limits (MRLs) and trade regulatory regime. Northern Ireland, while still part of the United Kingdom, continues to follow EU regulations.
I. CHEMICAL MAXIMUM RESIDUE LEVELS (MRLs)
Northern Ireland will follow the European Union MRLs.
Click on the above link for a list of chemical MRLs.
For more details, see the EU section of the MRL Database.
II. CHEMICALS AND ADDITIVE INFORMATION
A. Chemical residue standards:
Northern Ireland applies maximum residue levels (MRLs) as established by the EU as well as setting its own standards for chemicals not registered by the EU.
Details on regulations relating to MRLs in Northern Ireland are available here.
B. Monitoring chemical residues:
The United Kingdom actively monitors pesticide levels.
C. Restrictions on use of waxes:
Northern Ireland, under EU rules, permits the use of white beeswax, yellow beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, and shellac on apples and pears (EC Directive 95/2/EC).
Morpholine is not allowed for use as an additive to waxes or other food coatings. There is active enforcement of this prohibition.
III. ORGANIC FRUIT REGULATIONS
As of January 1, 2021, the United States has an equivalence agreement with the UK (including Northern Ireland). Organic products certified to either USDA or UK organic standards may be labelled and sold as organic if they meet the terms of the agreement. More information from USDA on this agreement is available here.
IV. TARIFFS
Apple, pear, and cherry imports to Northern Ireland are subject to the EU’s tariff schedule and entry price system. Please refer to the EU page for additional information.
V. NON-TARIFF BARRIERS
A. Labeling requirements:
The following information from the Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate (HMI) should be printed on the carton end panel.
1. Identification – The name and address of the packer and/or shipper. HMI indicated that current industry practice of printing the city, state and zip code of the packer and/or shipper is considered a minimum requirement. Industry was urged to also include the street address on the carton.
2. Nature of produce – Product name if the contents are not visible from the outside. The name of the variety is also required for apples and pears. It is optional for cherries.
3. Origin of produce – Country of origin.
4. Commercial specifications – The quality may be indicated by specifying Category 1, Cat. 1, Class 1 or Class I or Category/Cat./Class 2 or II as appropriate. Given the possibility that other EU member countries may interpret the regulation in a different manner the NHC recommends that industry print Class I (or other appropriate Class) on each carton. The size, or for fruit packed in layers the numbers of units, must also be specified.
EU labeling requirements apply. Please refer to the EU page for additional information
B. Licenses and quotas:
EU licensing/quota regulations, if any, apply. Please refer to the EU page for additional information
C. Currency Issues:
None.
D. Pest and plant disease restrictions:
EU member countries are required to inspect 100% of imported consignments of fresh plant products upon arrival unless the consignments qualify for reduced inspection levels.
100% of the pear consignments imported from the U.S. must be inspected.
35% of the U.S. cherry consignments must be inspected. Each EU Member State may inspect between 35 and 100% of cherry consignments imported from the U.S.
15% of the U.S. apple consignments must be inspected. Each EU Member State may inspect between 15 and 100% of the apple consignments imported from the U.S.
Harmonized EU-wide plant health regulations are in place. Please refer to the EU page for specific restrictions which apply to all EU member countries.
E. Other trade restrictions:
Apples, pears, and cherries are subject to European Community Marketing Standards. They are required to have a valid certificate of conformity prior to release into trade. The United Kingdom has established a system (called PEACH) to enable importers to notify inspection authorities of shipment arrival. More information is available online at: http://ehmipeach.defra.gov.uk
VI. MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES FOR PACIFIC NORTHWEST TREE FRUIT INDUSTRY:
Washington Apple Commission:
George Smith
Midsummer Marketing
Hertfordshire, UK
Voice: 011-44-1727-862074
E-mail: [email protected]
Northwest Cherry Growers/Washington State Fruit Commission:
George Smith
Midsummer Marketing
Hertfordshire, UK
Voice: 011 44-1727-862074
E-mail: [email protected]
VII. OTHER RESOURCE LINKS:
Governmental:
United States:
United Kingdom:
Private: