An introduction to the role of Portal Inspection
Information on the role of the Portal Inspection Service within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
What is the Portal Inspection Service?
Portal Inspection provides an inspection service at Northern Ireland's ports and airports in relation to animals and products.
It is part of the Veterinary Service and is under the control of a Portal Divisional Veterinary Officer and Portal Veterinary Officer
As of March 2006 it is made up of 45 Portal Inspectors.
The role of Portal Branch is to prevent the entry of unwanted pests and diseases which may pose a serious risk to animal or public health in Northern Ireland.
Checks are also carried out on exports to ensure compliance with Regulations.
Northern Ireland has two European Union (EU) approved Border Inspection Posts where non EU products of animal origin can legally be imported into the EU, subject to Veterinary clearance.
