Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
614. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average time taken to process sanitary and phytosanitary checks on imported plant products arriving through Dublin Airport during each of the past three years; and if service-level targets are in place. [53050/26]
View answerMy Department facilitates the timely movement of imports through Dublin Airport Border Control Post (BCP). Import controls are carried out in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and implementing regulations, which require 24 hours’ notice of imports to be provided to the BCP; this is to ensure the efficient performance of controls at the BCP.
Processing time for sanitary and phytosanitary checks varies and depends on several external factors. Prior notification is required for the BCP to facilitate documentary checks and physical inspection.
While it is acknowledged that providing 24-hour advance notice of arrival and submitting air shipment documentation is not always possible, the minimum legal requirement of 4 hours' prior notification must be provided for long-haul flights before arrival at the airport.
Considering the perishable nature of consignments, documentary checks are performed, where possible, within the notification period. However, the BCP still requires reasonable advance notice to facilitate the scheduling of consignments for inspection.
Delays in providing prior notification or providing complete and accurate documentation can result in delays in the release of consignments. Errors, omissions or missing documentation cause delays as a consignment cannot be scheduled for inspection until all documentation is received and has successfully passed the documentary check.
Additional delays may arise where responses to requests for further documentation are not provided promptly. ePhytocerts should be used, where applicable, to reduce delays. Delays in the presentation of consignments at the scheduled inspection time or in the collection of consignment post clearance, have been identified as reasons for delays.
Where issues arise regarding import consignment clearance, these are handled on a case-by-case basis with input from the BCP inspector, the operator responsible for the consignment, facility management and other agencies as required.
