Since 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) has operated a full border with the European Economic Area (EEA). This means that there are changes to the checks and controls on goods (including blood, organs, tissues and cells) as they move between the UK and the EEA.
If you import blood, organs, tissues and cells into GB from the EEA, there are new customs checks to pass. This includes having the correct customs paperwork to present at the border. Not having the right documentation could lead to delays. If you have further questions on customs declarations, please contact HMRC directly.
Dealing with supply disruptions
Establishments are required to risk assess their licensable activities. You are advised to risk assess your supply chain of tissues, cells, reagents and consumables and consider what steps you would take in the event of a deviation from validated parameters during transit or, if a critical reagent or material was unavailable.
Please refer to our guidance on the use of alternative reagents and materials for the processing of tissues and cells in the event of supply disruption for further information.
NHS establishments should escalate any supply issues in line with established internal reporting mechanisms.
You can also refer to the Government’s advice on UKCA marking and UKNI marking.