IDG62000 - Procedure for disclosing to others (government): Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Why share information with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
DEFRA is a ministerial government department responsible for a wide range of environmental, social and economic objectives in a number of areas. These include animal health and welfare, economics and statistics, environmental protection, exports and trade, farming, fisheries, food and drink, horticulture, plants and seeds, science, sustainable development and wildlife and the countryside. DEFRA is one of the bodies responsible for executing and enforcing the Products of Animal Origin (Third Country Imports) (England) Regulations.
Ensuring information is shared lawfully
All disclosures of HMRC information must be lawful. See IDG40500 for more information on lawful disclosure as provided by the CRCA.
To be lawful, HMRC may only share information with DEFRA through a legal gateway. See IDG44000 for general information about legal gateways. The appropriate legal gateway to use is listed below.
You must also ensure when passing information to DEFRA that you follow the agreed procedure for disclosures. Details are listed below.
The purpose for which information may be disclosed
For the purposes of the execution or enforcement of the Products of Animal Origin (Third Country Imports) Regulations.
Which part of HMRC can disclose this information?
Former Customs teams working in relevant areas are permitted to disclose this information directly to DEFRA. Please ask your manager if you are unsure whether yours is the relevant business area. This will primarily be teams involved in the Frontiers area.
Information which can be disclosed
All relevant information for the purpose of assisting DEFRA in the performance of its duties in respect of the statutory instrument below. This will be information about meat and animal products.
Procedure to follow
Only those staff who work in the relevant business areas may make the disclosure, in compliance with the other provisions of this guidance. Please ask your manager if you are unsure whether you work in the relevant business area.
Legislation which allows disclosure
The Products of Animal Origin (Third Country Imports) (England) Regulations 2006
The Products of Animal Origin (Third Country Imports) (Wales) Regulations 2005
The Products of Animal Origin (Third Country Imports) (Scotland) Regulations 2007
Devolved administrations
This guidance applies to England and Wales.
In Scotland this guidance applies to the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department.
Further guidance
For further guidance and assistance generally on confidentiality, contact Information Strategy (see IDG90100).
