New import controls have been introduced and further changes will come into effect from 30th April 2024. This email provides information on both what you need to do to comply now and when the additional changes are implemented. 

What changes are coming on 30th April 2024?  

In addition to complying with the current controls that came into effect on 31st January, from 30th April 2024 traders must: 

Ensure goods from EU /EFTA enter GB through an appropriately designated Border Control Post (BCP) or Control Point (CP) for your commodity type and present the consignment for inspection when called where risk-based documentary, identity and physical checks may take place.  Existing inspections of high-risk plants and plant products from the EU, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein will move from Places of Destination (PoDs) to BCP and CP’s.

Upload IUU documents to the CHED import notification created in IPAFFS for a consignment containing fish or fishery products for human consumption before submitting the import notification.

Additionally, imports from non-EU/EFTA risk assessed countries will begin to align with the BTOM regime. Changes to import controls for non-EU/EFTA risk assessed countries will include:

The simplification of imports including removal of health certification and routine checks on low-risk animal and plant products (they may be subject to intelligence-led interventions).

A reduction of physical and identity checks on medium-risk animal products  

Find out more about non-EU/EFTA BTOM risk categories for Animal Products

Find out more about non-EU/EFTA BTOM risk categories for Plant Products

Start preparing for the changes to border controls for plants and plant products

From 30th April 2024, high-risk plants and plant products must come through a Border Control Post (BCP) or Control Point (CP) where identity and physical checks will be carried out. Checks will no longer take place at Places of Destination (PoDs). 

Alongside this, documentary checks and physical and identity checks at the border will be introduced for medium-risk goods imported from the EU. In line with the reduced frequency of checks, checks will have a baseline of 3% for EU imports and 5% for non-EU imports, but may be different in specific cases, where additional risk factors apply. Please note, this doesn’t include medium-risk fruit and vegetables, if you are importing these goods from the EU, Switzerland or Liechtenstein to GB you will continue to be exempt from plant health controls on these goods. Further updates will be communicated shortly.

As we approach the 30th April 2024 deadline, it is important that you look to plan your journeys to BCPs or CPs as early as possible. This will help to reduce any potential delays to your onward journey and ensure compliance with the new UK phytosanitary regime. We have created a map containing a list of BCPs and CPs which you’ll find on our Plant Health Portal.

In the meantime, you should adhere to the existing PoD requirements for high-risk plants and plant products until 23:59:59 on the 29th April. 

3 weeks until PEACH Closure - have you started using IPAFFS for your Import Notifications for plants and plant products?  

If you are an importer of plants and plant products, , current users of the PEACH system will no longer be able to log onto PEACH and it will not be possible to submit import pre-notifications using this system. You must register for the IPAFFS system and start using IPAFFS now.    

All importers must be registered with a UK address within IPAFFS to ensure they can submit import pre-notifications. Please visit this link if you need to register for IPAFFS. To ensure full registration information is provided, please ensure that links to an agent (if required) and the address book are up to date and ready to use for your import notification. 

Guidance on IPAFFS is available on GOV.UK. and further details visit our Plant Health Information Portal Import IT Systems page. You will be able to find the following information:  

• IPAFFS for Plants Guidance
• IPAFFS FAQs
• How to locate Commodity Codes
• IPAFFS Synonym List for Plants
• IPAFFS Training Links
• HMRC Customs Declaration codes for IPAFFS

Stay informed about the latest Port Health news by registering at: https://www.porthealth.uk/contact/