New import controls are coming, be prepared!

From the 31st January 2024 we saw the requirement for pre-notification via an IMP notification change to a CHEDP / CHEDD for EU goods arriving into GB. 

Since then, sample documentary checks have been taking place to provide feedback to the trade to ensure readiness for 30th April 2024. The feedback can be found here

30th April 2024 is major milestone for SCPHA and the implementation of the BTOM. We are currently building capacity to facilitate the uplift in consignments we envisage to see. 

Major Milestones – 

31st January 2024 –

Introduction of export health certificates and phytosanitary certificates for medium-risk SPS products from the EU

30th April 2024 – SCPHAs key milestone

Introduction of border checks for SPS goods from the EU (excluding west coast GB ports)

Full pre-notification required for medium-risk SPS goods

Risk based examinations due to take place for goods covered by the BTOM. 

Import Requirements – 

To ensure you readiness you should ensure you are registered for IPAFFS to be able to complete your notifications to the relevant BCP. To register, please do so here

SCPHA will no longer be issuing paper CHEDs with immediate effect. This follow advice from DEFRA that wet-signed CHEDs with part 2 completed are not required.

Low – IPAFFS notification with supporting commercial documentation attached. 

Commercial documents must “at least identify the premises of origin, destination, contain a description of the product and the quantity”.

Medium – IPAFFS entry, Electronic Health Certificate or Paper Health Certificate and supporting commercial documentation. For hard copy certificates you will be required to submit the original health certificate to us prior to release.

High – IPAFFS entry, Electronic Health Certificate or Paper Health Certificate and supporting commercial documentation. For hard copy certificates you will be required to submit the original health certificate to us prior to release.

Operational questions in relation to Harwich and Felixstowe are to be sent to Questionsto@scpha.gov.uk 

Please note: Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority covers imports arriving through Felixstowe and Harwich ports. For any import queries covering Felixstowe and Harwich please email

Questionsto@scpha.gov.uk

Pre-Notification

Normally pre-notification (completion of the CHED on IPAFFS) is required at least 1 working day prior to arrival. However, where there are logistical constraints, port health authorities may agree shorter timescales, In the case of ferry traffic, SCPHA require a minimum 6hr pre-notification

Pre-notification for Deep Sea Freight will remain at 24 hours prior to arrival. 

Import notification guidance can be found here – 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65859ab723b70a0013234e7c/Defra_Import-Notifications-using-IPAFFS-Leaflet.pdf

For any further questions, please email the Trader Readiness Team – BBTP-PHA-Readiness@defra.gov.uk

Returned CHEDs

SCPHA will no longer be issuing paper CHEDs with immediate effect. This follow advice from DEFRA that wet-signed CHEDs with part 2 completed are not required.

USEFUL LINKS – 

BTOM – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-border-target-operating-model-august-2023

BTOM Risk categories – https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/import-risk-categories-for-animals-animal-products-plants-and-plant-products

BTOM Q&A – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/border-target-operating-model-information-leaflets-for-businesses/technical-questions-and-answers-about-sanitary-and-phytosanitary-controls-sps

Trade information leaflets – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/border-target-operating-model-information-leaflets-for-businesses

Groupage / mixed load consignments  – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/import-groupage-or-mixed-load-consignments-of-animal-products-into-great-britain-from-2024#groupage

Composite products – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/border-target-operating-model-information-leaflets-for-businesses

Market access – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/risk-categories-for-animal-and-animal-product-imports-from-non-eu-countries-to-great-britain#permitted-countries

Webinars – 

HRFNAO via the EU to GB – CHED Part 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdkmhiLlqy0

Animal products from EU to GB – CHED Part 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsGlfn45DWQ

DEFRA Training – The BTOM: What are the SPS Border Controls? | Eventbrite

BIFA – 

Welcome – British International Freight Association (bifa.org)

2 Days to Go – SPS Import Controls from 31st January 2024 – British International Freight Association (bifa.org)

SCPHA Processes – Our key pages will be reviewed in due course, please keep an eye out for the changes!

https://www.porthealth.uk/updates/

https://www.porthealth.uk/updates/suffolk-coastal-port-health-authority-scpha-seeks-to-provide-operational-directives-relating-to-consignments-requiring-action-from-scpha/

https://www.porthealth.uk/import-guidance/animal-origin/#COMMONHEALTHENTRYDOCUMENTCHEDPforproductsofanimalorigincompositeproductsandanimalbyproducts4

Non animal origin – SCPHA (porthealth.uk)