New Laws Stopping English Anglers Taking Bait To France
We are not a bait company and have absolutely no intention of breaking into the bait market but as a company ran by anglers this is a huge topic that affects us all. With it still being early days, the new laws aren't exactly clear yet but one thing is for certain, the days of taking 50kg of boilie over the channel has long gone.
We have spent a lot of time researching different documents and articles from travel providers to bait manufacturers and there is a lot of conflicting information being received none of which give you a definitive answer. Due to there not being a section specifically aimed at fishing bait a lot is left to interpretation so we may be wrong, but here is what we have found so far.
The basic changes to the law are anything containing animal by-products such as fish meal, eggs and milk protein will need an Export Health Certificate, certified by a DEFRA vet (after providing documentary proof of clear microbiological tests) and the goods will have to go for inspection at an EU Border Control Post for Sanitary and Phytosanitary checks. You also have to notify the BCP 48hrs in advance of your arrival and be registered in the EU as an authorised exporter of ABP products to the EU.
A big angling travel provider has implied on a recent email sent out to all customers that Bait companies can have their products tested and gain this certificate. I have spoken to a large Bait Manufacturer in UK and the issue they have made me aware of is that you cannot get a blanket certificate that covers a bait for a set period you can only receive the certificate per consignment. This would mean every angler wishing to transport bait to Europe would need to have a certificate for what they are importing. To get the certificate requires lots of tests and is awfully expensive so for a group of friends going to France this is completely out of the question.
The consensus on weight limits is 2KG, I have not heard anything to go against this, but I have seen a video of a Gentlemen at the Dutch boarder have a sandwich confiscated due to the contents of his sandwich and it definitely didn't look 2kg in weight.
I have not seen any reason you cannot take your usual amount of particle over there as these are non-dairy but while the laws are so uncertain, I still think you would run the risk of having it confiscated.
All these changes have a quite simple but expensive solution, which is to buy your bait from the venue or research local bait companies in the area you plan on fishing.
Any information you have or comments you have are greatly appreciated and leave below in the comment box.
UPDATE FROM THE ANGLING TRUSTS WEBSITE
The Angling Trust has joined forces with bait manufacturers Dynamite and Mainline in urgently seeking clarification on Brexit ruling which will effectively ban UK anglers from taking baits with them on fishing trips in Europe.
Since the UK-EU Trade Agreement came into force on January 1st, the export of baits derived from animal produce, such as boilies, requires a European Health Certificate (EHC) to be completed. At present, the EHC for baits of this sort are under the same requirements as exporting animal feed which involves exhaustive and expensive testing, and certification from a vet. To make export to Europe cost effective, the Angling Trust believes bait needs to sit under a simpler EHC classification.
Mark Owen, the Angling Trust’s Head of Freshwater, said:
“The Angling Trust has retained active engagement with the European Commission through our membership of the European Anglers Alliance and we will continue to press the EU to facilitate this change of EHC classification.
“It is apparent, from our understanding, that the current position will impact on anglers purchasing bait in England to go fishing in Europe once Covid travel restrictions are lifted as they would have to produce an EHC if challenged. We are presently seeking clarification that our interpretation is correct and more information will follow.”
Jamie Cook, Angling Trust CEO and keen carp angler, added:
“It’s ridiculous that fishing baits for a species that is returned alive are being treated as if they were part of the food production process. I have asked my team at the Angling Trust to work with the angling trade to press the European Commission to see sense.”
The Angling Trades Association also hope to provide a briefing on the issues next week.
Does anyone know if sweetcorn is OK and breadcrumb
to all those who voted for brexit did you not read the small print oh dear more to come I think😜
If applied this law is ridiculous and the European authorities should be ashamed of themselves.
In most EU countries it is allowed to take fish for eating, and alot of the local anglers do.so it is possible that the boilies do enter the human food chain. And I know on pay lakes the fish aren’t killed. Dont forget the law on animal product entering the EU is old, it wasn’t made after Brexit. England probably agreed to it when the law was made. But it dont stop you fishing in Europe, jus buy your Boilies in Europe..
just wanted to say that i orderd all my bait from a dutch company £130 worth for fishing in france this year and now we are not allowed to to take it back to the eu does;nt seem fare to me
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