Port Health Inspection Charge Increases

What's Changing in April 2025

The new financial year brings changes to import inspection charges that will affect businesses importing goods through UK ports. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has reviewed the Common User Charge (CUC), with increases expected to take effect from April 2025.

Additionally, Port Health Authorities across the UK are revising their separate document and physical inspection fees. Ashford (serving Dover and Eurotunnel) and Suffolk (covering Felixstowe and Harwich) have already confirmed fee increases, with other authorities expected to announce similar changes in the coming weeks.

Why These Charges Exist

While additional costs are never welcome news, these inspection fees serve a crucial purpose in our national biosecurity framework. The UK's port health inspection system represents our first line of defence against:

Disease Prevention

Recent years have highlighted the devastating impact of animal diseases crossing borders. The 2023 outbreak of African Swine Fever in parts of Europe caused millions in economic damage, while the February 2025 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in Germany led to widespread culling and export restrictions. Proper inspection funding helps prevent these diseases from reaching UK shores.

Public Health Protection

Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls ensure that food imports meet the UK's safety standards. Without adequate inspection, potentially contaminated products could reach consumers, posing significant health risks.

Economic Security

The cost of a single major disease outbreak far exceeds the collective cost of inspection fees. The 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak cost the UK economy an estimated £8 billion. Properly funded port health systems protect not just public health, but our economic stability.

Who Sets These Charges?

It's important to understand that these fees are established by government bodies, not by import service providers:

• Common User Charge (CUC): Set by DEFRA as a standard fee applied to relevant imports
• Inspection Fees: Determined individually by local Port Health Authorities
• Documentation Charges: Also established by local authorities based on their operating costs

Import agencies like EORI simply help clients navigate these requirements but have no control over the fee structures themselves.

How The Additional Funding Will Be Used

The increased revenue from these charges will directly support:

• Enhanced inspection staffing levels at key ports
• Improved detection technology for faster, more accurate screening
• Better training for inspection officers
• More robust systems to prevent illegal imports

Planning For These Changes

Businesses importing goods subject to SPS controls should:

1. Budget accordingly for the increased fees from April 2025
2. Check with specific port authorities for their updated fee structures
3. Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate to avoid delays
4. Consider consolidating shipments where possible to minimize per-entry fees