We are very pleased the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) is extending its fee hold until 31 May. It had originally agreed to put an element of its fee increase – planned to come into effect on 1st April – on hold until the end of April but this has now been extended for another month. We have continued to provide evidence to HARC about ongoing issues so we’d like to thank the team at the HARC for listening and responding to our concerns, especially as the flights available to fish importers are very limited in comparison to other imports entering Heathrow.
We’ll carry on discussing these proposed fee increases with HARC particularly as importers remain concerned about the disruption of flights caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Below is the HARC statement in full:
In light of the flight disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East and the additional costs facing importers, HARC has obtained authority to temporarily suspend the implementation of the higher rate of fees for non-HARC designated airlines.
From 1st April 2026, the new Byelaws will apply, but only column B will be applied to aquatic imports. This will apply until 30/04/26 and the decision will be reviewed ahead of this date.
The City of London Corporation and the team at HARC very much appreciate your engagement on this matter and we hope that this decision goes some way to providing the interim support needed for your business.
