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Since January 31st, DEFRA's documentary SPS checks have revealed numerous common errors. Additionally, there has been some confusion regarding the documentation required for fishery product consignments. DEFRA has responded by issuing guidance to clarify both processes.
Summary of common errors identified via sample SPS documentary checks
The documentary checks conducted have identified several common errors since January 31st. These errors have been summarised, and the official guidance related to them has been provided to enhance comprehension and reduce future errors. Below are the common errors listed for general, import notifications, and Export Health Certificates (EHC).
- Low risk consignments with no accompanying commercial documents
- Composites being incorrectly categorised
- EU address being provided for the operator responsible for the consignment instead of a UK address.
- Not completing the establishment field in the CHED
- IUU documents are being uploaded to IPAFFS when they should be notifying the entry BCP directly.
- Export Health Certificate - Attestation incorrectly deleted
- Export Health Certificate - Incorrect model certificate provided
You can access the full explanatory document containing errors and guidance on the correct procedures here.
IUU Documents for Fishery Product Consignments
The request is to send IUU documents concerning fishery product consignments imported from the EU to the relevant Port Heath Authority or Local Authority upon pre-notification on IPAFFS. This requirement will be modified starting April 30th, 2024, as PHAs/LAs will gain complete access to IPAFFS, necessitating additional IUU information and document uploading. PHAs and LAs using the PHILIS system may also need to upload IUU documentation to that platform.
To find out more, attend a Defra information session for businesses throughout March and April. Register via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/the-btom-what-are-the-sps-border-controls-2144279
Actions traders need to be taking now
Since 31st January 2024, traders must:
- Continue to provide an Export Health Certificate (EHC) for live animal and germinal product imports. Obtain an Export Health Certificate (EHC) for medium-risk animal products and some high-risk food and feed not of animal origin (HRFNAO).
- Obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate (PCs) for medium-risk plants and plant products.
- Continue to provide a Phytosanitary Certificate (PCs) for high-risk plants and plant products.
The person responsible for the load:
Must continue (begin for movements from Ireland) pre-notifying Great Britain via the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed system (IPAFFS) for all live animals, germinal products, animal products, high-risk food and feed not of animal origin (HRFNAO), and medium and high-risk plants and plant products.
Documentary checks
Between 31st January 2024 and 30th April 2024, documentary checks for medium-risk animal products and high-risk food of non-animal origin from EU and EFTA countries are being undertaken on a randomly selected sample of consignments arriving at GB ports to check the correct application and usage. Traders will receive specific feedback if their consignment is selected for a documentary check. Goods subject to these sample documentary checks will not be held for inspection, and no charges will be levied at this stage.
Guidance on legal responsibilities and how to be compliant can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/guidance-on-importing-live-animals-or-animal-products
If you are interested in exploring this topic further, you might find it worthwhile to consider the training courses and live clinics offered by Strong & Herd LLP:
Focus on Food: Import Procedures
Importing food, drink, plant health products, POAO and composite goods into the UK requires an awareness of the phytosanitary and pre-registration requirements. This half-day session will focus on what a trader needs to know to bring goods through customs, port health and meet other government department regulations, e.g., DEFRA. It will also demonstrate the pre-notification process on IPAFFS.
Focus on Food: Export Procedures
This course has been created to meet the growing demand for specialist training in export processes that apply to food and drink products. It explains the regulatory bodies involved, what they do and what they need from a food/drink exporter. It will help you understand labelling and registration of products and where to obtain further information.
Focus On: IPAFFS
IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed Systems) is a web-based service for applying for Common Health Entry Documents (CHEDs) for imports into the UK. Applicable to live animals, POAO, HRFNAO and composite goods, understanding how to use this system is vital for many business sectors. Join us in reviewing how to access IPAFFS, complete an IPAFFS notification and process the import.
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