Non-standard Goods - Controls
Animals, Plants and their Products
If the UK exits the EU without a deal you will no longer be able to use the EU’s TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) to certify UK imports from outside the EEA countries.
The replacement system, the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS) should be used instead.
January 2021
New import requirements will apply to live animals from the EU. This includes requirement for:
Goods to be accompanied by an Export Health Certificate (EHC).
An import pre-notification on IPAFFS at least one working day in advance of arrival.
Additional requirements for endangered species and marine-caught fish imports listed in the CITES will need to comply with relevant requirements. Consignments from EU can continue to enter at any Point of Entry (PoE) at this stage.
Fish, shellfish and their products originating from the EU will be subject to new sanitary and phytosanitary import controls.
In relation to high risk plant material, the exporter will need to apply for a phytosanitary certificate from the relevant competent authority of the EU country of origin; this will need to be secured prior to the goods’ departure so that it can be sent to the importer for pre-notification purposes.
Importers will need to submit import notifications at least four hours prior to arrival if travelling by air, or at least one working day prior to arrival by all other modes of transport, along with the original phytosanitary certificate.
April 2021
Imports of products of animal origin (POAO) will need:
To be supplemented by an EHC.
Pre-notifications via IPAFFS in advance.
The control of plants will be extended to regulated plants.
July 2021
Full import requirements will apply to all EU supplies of live animals and POAO:
Goods to be accompanied by an EHC.
Import pre-notification via IPAFFS.
Entry via a PoE with a suitable Border Control Post (BCP) for documentary, identity and physical checks.
The import of all plants will be controlled.
