Stay Ahead of New Import Controls: Essential Steps for Food Product Importers

With the latest regulations in full effect, staying compliant is more critical than ever. Here’s how your business can seamlessly navigate the updated import controls and ensure a smooth entry into the UK market:

1. Register on IPAFFS Today:
   If you haven’t yet, register for IPAFFS on GOV.UK. Remember, the individual or business completing the CHED Part 1 import notification must have a UK address to register.
2. Understand Your Risk Category:
   Use the online guidance to identify the risk category of your commodity. This step is crucial for determining the level of scrutiny your imports will face.
3. Secure Essential Certificates:
   Ensure that your EU supply chain provides you with all necessary health certificates and/or phytosanitary certificates. These documents are vital for compliance.
4. Go Digital with Export Health Certificates:
   Consider using a digitally signed and verifiable GB export health certificate (EHC) for live animals and products of animal origin (POAO) for imports from EU and EFTA countries. Verifiable PDF certificates from TRACES and other EU/EFTA systems listed on GOV UK are accepted. You may still opt for a traditional paper GB health certificate if preferred.

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 DEFRA guidance on Import Notifications.
• Practice making CHED import notifications in the IPAFFS training environment.

6. Double Check!

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 all commodity codes and net weights are also included in the declaration.

Important Update:

The easement period for submitting scanned copies of health certificates ended on 31st July 2024. If you or your agent submits a scanned copy of a paper health certificate via IPAFFS, you must present the original paper certificate to the Port Health Authority (PHA) or local authority (LA) at the Border Control Post (BCP) either before the consignment’s arrival in GB or upon arrival if advised.

Stay compliant, stay ahead. Your proactive approach will ensure your products move through the border without delays. Simplify the process further with our expert customs declaration services, guaranteeing fast and accurate clearance every time.

Contact us today on cds@chamberelancs.co.uk to learn how we can support your import needs.

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