The National Food and Veterinary Office (NVVO) reminds you that the United Kingdom (UK) has reinstated import requirements for pigmeat products in response to the risks posed by African swine fever (ASF). These changes are aimed at reducing the risk of disease transmission while ensuring the continuity of trade. 

The main changes relate to heat treatment methods. Until 30 October 2024, exports from Zone I were allowed without heat treatment, while exports from Zones II and III were allowed with +80 ° C treatment (i.e. the „C” treatment). From 1 November 2024, the treatment temperature for Zone II has been reduced to +70 ° C (i.e. a „D” treatment). If produce from the relevant Zone II is exported for processing to an ASF-free zone, it must still be treated in accordance with the requirements of Zone II. Lithuania is currently in Zones I and II, but the situation is constantly changing, so it is recommended that you check this information regularly here and on the VVM website.

„If a slaughterhouse, cutting plant or meat product processing plant is located in an ASF restricted zone, the product must be subject to an appropriate heat treatment in order to be exported to the UK. If a farm moves pigs from Zone I to Zone II for processing, the requirements of Zone II must be applied; if the movement of the pigs and the processing of the meat takes place in Zone II, the processing is also subject to the requirements of Zone II," stressed Kristijonas Pečiulis, Chief Officer of the Animal Products Division of the Department for Food and Veterinary Policy. 

To keep up-to-date with the latest changes, the HVO recommends subscribing to the IPAFFS/import and Defra Traders export newsletters, while the guidelines on the import of live animals and animal products are available on the GOV.UK website. These guidelines provide detailed information on the importation of live animals, animal products and plant products into the UK from both EU and non-EU countries, as well as contact details in case of further questions. The HVO also advises that the link provides useful leaflets to help you understand and prepare for the latest UK requirements.