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.
The Government has now confirmed the introduction of Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls on food and feed imported from the EU to Great Britain. A summary of the requirements and timings for checks on POA is provided on GOV.UK. Full details, including also the requirements for PNAO, are detailed in the Border Target Operating Model.
Ship 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.
There are nationally agreed charges for the granting of Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates and Ship Sanitation Control Certificates.
| Gross tonnage of vessel | 2022/23 rate | 2023/24 rate |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,000 | £110 | £125 |
| 1,001 - 3,000 | £150 | £170 |
| 3,001 - 10,000 | £220 | £250 |
| 10,001 - 20,000 | £285 | £325 |
| 20,001 - 30,000 | £365 | £415 |
| over 30,000 | £425 | £480 |
| Vessels with 50 - 1,000 persons | £425 | £480 |
| Vessels with over 1,000 persons | £725 | £820 |
| Extensions | £80 | £95 |
Extra charges may be added for exceptional costs such as:
- out of hours visits
- launch hire
- samples taken
Further costs will be applicable where evidence of vermin or other sources of infection are found, which require treatment or further investigation.
Other port services and charges
Other port services available include:
- checks on imported food/animal feedstuffs - contact Port Health in advance for information, including charges
- ships water samples – Bacterial: First sample £82.50 + VAT. Additional samples taken at the same time: £42.50 + VAT. Samples taken as part of a Ships’ Inspection £42.50 + VAT
- ships water samples/resamples – Legionella: First sample £117 + VAT. Additional samples taken at the same time £77 + VAT. Samples taken as part of a Ships’ Inspection £77 + VAT
- endorsement of Organic Certificates (24hrs notice is required): £45
Contact Port Health
Email porthealth@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or call 01202 123 789 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. For emergencies only outside these hours, call 0800 0281 870 and ask for 'Port Health.