Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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199. To ask the Minister for Finance the process for customs approvals for perishable goods coming via air freight into Dublin Airport; the required timeframe/target from passing through customs to informing carrier agents; the work being done to limit delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60587/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that their focus is on facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that goods are cleared for release as quickly as possible. Revenue works closely with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) regarding the control of goods and all agencies have invested in the creation of electronic systems that streamline customs processes, to speed up the clearance process and to ensure timely communication with trade and with the agencies implementing controls.

I am further advised by Revenue, all perishable goods are subject to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls by DAFM or the HSE. SPS controls are measures to protect human, animal, and plant health from risks associated with food and agricultural imports. The importer is notified electronically via Revenue’s import system (AIS) when these controls are required. The goods must be presented to DAFM or HSE by the respective airline at the Border Control Point (BCP). The BCP has a temperature-controlled area with the appropriate refrigerator storage facilities. These goods remain under control until DAFM or HSE have completed their intervention. Once controls are completed, the agency electronically notifies Revenue via a real time, digital messaging channel and also electronically notifies the trader.

There are dedicated teams from Revenue, DAFM and HSE that are present in the airport on a 24/7 basis to facilitate all controls required on imported goods.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to give defined timelines regarding controls as the time required will change based on the circumstances of each individual import and the control that DAFM or HSE will have to undertake to address the risk identified. However, I am assured by Revenue that where perishable goods are identified, these are prioritised by all agencies and dealt with as soon as possible.