As from Monday 31st March 2003 regulated fresh fruit and vegetables imported into the European Community through the UK will require a Certificate of Conformity prior to Customs clearance. In order to help importers apply for a certificate, the Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate (HMI) have set up the Procedure for the Electronic Application for Certificates from the HMI (PEACH) for fresh produce entering England and Wales.
Starting with apples and pears, a Certificate of Conformity will be required for all import consignments of fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts, that are subject to the EC Marketing Standards, within the next year. It can be obtained in the country of export where authorised or by submitting an application for inspection in the UK. While the Certificate of Conformity is mandatory, not all consignments will be subject to physical inspection to verify conformity. All conformity checks will have to take place prior to HM Customs clearance.
Initially you will required to register to PEACH, which can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/hort/hmi.htm (Link to an external site - Disclaimer 
). Once registered, you will be able to submit applications to the HMI for inspection and certification of consignments. A paper application is also available from local HMI offices.
The Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) will manage Scottish and Irish imports respectively.
A full briefing is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/hort/hmi/common/importersinfo.pdf (Link to an external site - Disclaimer )and further information is available on the DEFRA website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/hort/hmi/importsfile.htm (Link to an external site - Disclaimer )or by contacting the HMI at:
The Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate
DEFRA
Eastbury House
30-34 Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7TL
Telephone - 020 7238 1026
Fax - 020 7238 1028
SITPRO Electronic News Bulletin - 21 March 2003
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