Planned Downtime for Customs Declaration Service on 28th & 29th September 

BTOM Updates/Reminders: 

– Planned Downtime for Customs Declaration Service on 28th and 29th September 
– Update on Fruit and Vegetable Easement 
– Best practices when using the interactive Border Control Post (BCP) map

• How to comply with the BTOM and the new import controls that are now in place 
• Resources to help you comply   
• Contact points for urgent BTOM queries  

Border Target Operating Model Updates/Reminders

Customs Declaration Service – planned downtime 28th and 29th September 

Due to scheduled maintenance, agents will be unable to access the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) from 9:30pm Saturday 28th September 2024 to 3:30am Sunday 29th September 2024. Customs declarations submitted during this time will be processed when the service becomes available.  

IPAFFS is not affected by the downtime and will be fully operational during this time period.  

Agents please ensure that the following information provided by HMRC at Customs Declaration Service: service availability and issues – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk): 

• Creating, updating, or embarking on a goods movement reference (GMR) during this time might be affected. 
• Only goods with pre-lodged declarations attached to a GMR will be allowed to move using Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS). For guidance on GVMS, read Goods Vehicle Movement Service — service availability and issues. 
• For import movements using GVMS, check the declaration status and arrive where needed. 
• If moving consignments containing controlled goods with pre-lodged declarations, read the list of goods imported into Great Britain that are controlled and attend port inspection facilities or inland border facilities for goods to be inspected and released. 
• Exports should have Permission to Progress (P2P) before travelling. 

Defra apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. 

Extension on the Fruit and Vegetable Easement 

To ensure that new ministers have a full and thorough opportunity to review the planned implementation of further border controls, and an opportunity to listen to businesses across import supply chains, Defra are updating the timeline for implementation of some SPS controls.

Medium risk fruit and vegetables imported from the EU are currently not subject to import checks or charged the associated fees. This easement is a temporary measure which was due to end in January 2025.  

Defra and the Scottish and Welsh Governments have agreed to extend the easement until 1st July 2025.   

Alongside this, after further scientific review of commodities across all plant and plant product risk categories, there will be changes to the risk categorisation of certain plants and plant products meaning increased deregulation at the border for imports from EU and Switzerland. From 30th January 2025 7 commodity groups (including apples and pears) will move from the medium-risk to low-risk category meaning they will be able to move freely into GB from the EU and Switzerland. More information can be found on the PHP: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/latest-news/changes-of-risk-categories-for-commodities-listed-in-annex-11/ 

We will continue with our systematic, proactive screening of potential new and emerging biosecurity risks. Defra and the Scottish and Welsh Governments continue to be responsive to changes in risk levels via actions such as surveillance, enhanced inspection, regulation, import controls, research and awareness raising.  

Best practices when using the interactive Border Control Post (BCP) map for POAO, PNOAO and Live Animals 

Our interactive Border Control Points (BCPs) map is a valuable tool for traders, providing a comprehensive view of all BCPs across Great Britain. 

To make the most of this resource, please follow these best practices: 

1. Familiarise yourself with the color-coded key: 

• Yellow: Animal Products 
• Green: Products Not of Animal Origin 
• Blue: Live Animals 

2. Note the distinct emoji indicators: 

• ✈️represents airports (plane emoji)
• represents ports (shipping emoji)

3. Make sure to use the interactive map key on the left side of the page. By clicking on the box next to the category of your import (Animal Products, Products Not of Animal Origin or Live Animals) you will be able to filter the ports and airports displayed on the map providing a clearer view. If you do not filter you may not see all available options. 
4. Use the zoom feature to focus on specific regions for detailed information. The map will not always show all the options available if not zoomed in. 
5. Click on individual BCP markers to access additional details about each location. 
6. Regularly check the map for updates, as BCP statuses may change. 
7. Cross-reference the map information with official documentation on gov.uk.
8. If you’re unsure about a particular BCP’s capabilities, contact them using the details provided for clarification. 

How to comply with the BTOM and the new import controls that are now in place:     

1. Register for IPAFFS online on GOV UK if you haven’t already done so. The person or business completing the CHED Part 1 import notification must have a UK address to register for IPAFFS.    
2. Know your risk category – use the online guidance to find the risk category of your commodity.    
3. Ensure that your EU supply chain is providing you with health certificates and/or phytosanitary certificates.   
4. Consider using a digitally signed and verifiable GB export health certificate (EHC) in place of the paper version of the certificate for live animals and POAO imports from EU and EFTA countries where the PDF health certificate can be electronically verified. We will accept verifiable PDF certificates from TRACES and other EU/EFTA MS systems listed on GOV UK. You can still use a paper GB health certificate.  

Please be aware that the easement period for sending scanned copies of health certificates ended on 31st July 2024. 

If you or your agent uploads and attaches a scanned copy of a paper health certificate to the Common Health Entry Document (CHED) on IPAFFS and submits it, you will be required to present the original paper certificate to the Port Health Authority (PHA) or local authority (LA) at the Border Control Post (BCP) in advance of  the consignment’s arrival into GB, or upon the consignment’s arrival in GB if advised to do so by the PHA/LA.  

Please note: if the original paper certificate is not available for checks on entry into GB, the consignment may be held until the original paper certificate is provided to the PHA/LA at the BCP.  To avoid unnecessary administrative burden and allow for a smoother flow through the BCP, you are strongly encouraged to use verifiable PDF health certificates. 

5. Correctly submit your import notification in IPAFFS:   

• Watch the webinar recording for Importing HRFNAO via the EU to GB: the new CHED Part 1 notification.    
• Watch the webinar recording for Importing animal products from the EU to GB: New CHED Part 1 notification.      
• Read our guidance on Import Notifications.  

6. Remind your freight forwarder or customs agent to double-check that the correct CHED import notification reference in the correct format, and the correct doc code, has been entered in the customs declaration for your consignments of EU goods, and that commodity codes and net weights are also included in the declaration.

Resources to help you comply     

Our detailed guidance has been updated with information on how to comply with your new legal responsibilities for:       

• importing live animals and animal products to Great Britain       
• importing plants and plant products from the EU to Great Britain       
• importing plants and plant products from non-EU countries to Great Britain      

Read our Leaflets to help businesses prepare for a new approach to importing goods to GB under the BTOM.