England’s ports and commercial operators can access funds to build border control posts for animal imports.
From July 2022, checks on animal imports from the EU will be carried out at border control posts (BCPs) as these become available. Defra is providing grants to increase the number of BCPs for animal imports at maritime ports in England.
The aim of the Animal Biosecurity Infrastructure Fund (ABIF) is to increase resilience, support trade continuity and promote high standards of animal welfare and biosecurity for animal imports.
BCPs funded by the ABIF must be designed for the volume and species of animals that currently enter through ports. They must be ready to operate by 1 March 2023 and operate for a minimum of 10 years.
Applicants may apply to cover capital costs of up to £10 million to spend on:
- Construction and building materials.
- Buying land.
- Modifying or extending existing BCPs to handle animal imports.
- Demolition.
- Installation and assembly.
- Staff costs or professional fees that are directly related to the construction of the BCP.
To be eligible to apply for funding from the ABIF, applicants must be one of the following:
- A maritime port located in England that currently handles animal imports from the EU.
- A commercial operator planning to develop a BCP for a maritime port in England that currently handles animal imports from the EU.
Applicants must confirm with Defra that they intend to apply for funding (this is known as pre-qualifying) by 16 February 2022 (23:59 GMT).
How To Apply
Applicants must confirm with Defra that they intend to apply for funding (this is known as pre-qualifying) by 16 February 2022 (23:59 GMT).
Applications are made online at the GOV website.