Poole is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. The harbour has 5 smaller islands, and much of the harbour has Site of Special Scientific Interest status.
Poole is a working commercial port but also has over 6,000 registered leisure craft, as well as a public yacht haven with berths for 100 visiting craft.
Border Control Post
A new facility has been constructed at the Port of Poole and has been designated as a Border Control Post (BCP).
The designation covers packaged products of animal origin (POA), and high-risk food and feed not of animal origin (PNAO), for both human consumption and not for human consumption. Also, Plastic kitchenware from China and Hong Kong.
In line with the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), Sanitary and Phytosanitary checks apply certain to food and feed imports from the EU to Great Britain, from 30 April 24.
Information on the requirements is provided on GOV.UK and on the Food Standards Agency website.
A series of leaflets and videos are also provided as guidance for business.
Port Health Services
As a Port Health Authority, we carry out the following regulatory functions
Imported Food & Feed Controls
Checks on imported food, feed and animal by-products, including high-risk food of non-animal origin, in line with the requirements of the Official Controls Regulations and the BTOM.
Ships’ Inspection and issue of Sanitation Certificates
The Port of Poole is included on the WHO list of authorised ports for the issuing of Ship Sanitation Exemption and Control Certificates, and Extensions.
Ships’ Water Samples
Sampling of potable water from vessels for bacteriological safety and legionella, as part of a Ships’ Sanitation inspection, on request and for investigation purposes.
Organics
Organics import controls, including endorsement of organic Certificates of Inspection (COI). From 1 February 2027, a COI will also be required to import organic food from the EU, EEA and Switzerland to the UK.
Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
Checking of IUU documents for compliance with IUU regulations requirements.
Plastic Kitchenware from China & Hong Kong
Import controls on polyamide and melamine plastic kitchenware from China and Hong Kong to GB.
Export Health Certificates
We are listed by DEFRA for the issuing of Export Health Certificates for live crustaceans, fishery products, fish and shellfish.
Additionally, where a central government certificate does not exist and receiving countries require confirmation of food premises registration and compliance with domestic food law, we can provide certification and attestations to this effect, for relevant premises in our jurisdiction.
Fees & Charges
We have produced a full list of our Port Health fees & charges.
Contact Us
Email porthealth@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or call 01202 126973 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Outside of these hours, staffing cover is provided for arriving vessels, as required.
For urgent issues out of normal working hours, the on-call port health officer can be contacted on 07442 704556.