Guidance

ODS exports rejected at an EU border control post

What to do if your ozone-depleting substances (ODS) exports are rejected at an EU border control post (BCP).

• From: Environment Agency and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 11 January 2021
• Last updated: 18 January 2024
  Show all updates

  1. 18 January 2024

     Added a support email address and a link to licensed waste facilities that can accept rejected ODS.

  2. 23 November 2022

     Provided additional guidance on when you need to get rejected ODS to comply with clearance processes. Clarified the process of getting returned ODS checked. Removed irrelevant information on the Environment Agency managing the ODS system. Rearranged content for better information flow.

  3. 11 January 2021

     First published.

If your ODS exports are rejected at an EU BCP, they will be returned to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Border Force will then stop and hold your ODS at the border.

To re-enter Great Britain, the ODS will need to regain free circulation status.

Regaining free circulation status

To regain free circulation status, the ODS must comply with clearance processes. This means you must:

• have a full customs declaration
• register for an account on the ODS service
• have enough ODS quota at the time of re-entry
• have a valid ODS import licence at the time of re-entry (use the apply for ozone-depleting substances (ODS) import and export licence service)

The National Clearance Hub (NCH) and the Environment Agency will check and decide how to deal with your ODS. If you have any questions, contact f-gassupport@environment-agency.gov.uk.

If your ODS meets clearance processes, you can place it on the market in Great Britain.

You may need to destroy the ODS if it is banned or does not comply with clearance process.

Check the list of licensed waste facilities that accept waste ODS.