Digital import documents now accepted by Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority
Importers and agents are now able to electronically submit Common Health Entry Documents (CHEDs) to Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority (SCPHA) by following a new procedure, removing the need to send hard copies when importing food and animal products to the ports of Felixstowe and Harwich.
The notification raised on IPAFFs for a consignment will serve as its legal notification when a CHED-P or CHED-D is emailed to SCPHA. However, original health certificates and IUU catch certificates required for certain consignments must still be sent as hard copies to SCPHA by post or courier, or with the drivers of driver-accompanied trailers.
The below procedure must be followed when submitting an electronic CHED to SCPHA. Any documentation which isn’t submitted accurately may create delays to processing and, ultimately, consignment release. A full guide for submitting electronic CHEDs can also be downloaded here: SCPHA electronic CHEDs guide.
New procedure for importers when submitting electronic CHEDs
One email per CHED submission must be sent to edocs@scpha.gov.uk with the subject line including the consignment’s container number – or trailer number – and estimated date of arrival.
An exact copy of the CHED submitted on IPAFFS must be attached to the email in colour and PDF format. As required, the below documents should also be attached in the following order:
- Scan of the original health certificate (where one is required for the consignment concerned)
- Scan of the original test report (where one is required for the consignment concerned)
- Bill of lading or CMR
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Scan of the IUU Article 14 processing document (where required)
- Scan of all IUU catch certificates (where required)
- Any other documents
High Risk Food of Non-Animal Origin (FNAO) and Products of Animal Origin (POAO)
Original health certificates and IUU catch certificates required for certain consignments must still be sent as hard copies to SCPHA by post or courier, or with the drivers of driver-accompanied trailers.
The following link outlines non-animal origin products which are subject to controls. It also highlights whether a health certificate is required for your product: https://www.porthealth.uk/import-guidance/non-animal-origin/aflatoxin-list-copy/
In most cases, POAOs require original health certificates. Further details can be found on our website: https://www.porthealth.uk/import-guidance/animal-origin/
If your consignment of FNAO or POAO does not require an original health certificate, your consignment will be processed upon submission of the CHED-D or CHED-P, and checks will be completed as necessary.
