Additional import controls for plants and plant products are coming on 30 April 2024: Our Briefing
What changes are coming on 30 April 2024?
In addition to complying with the current controls that came into effect on January 31, from 30 April 2024 traders must:
To ensure compliance, all goods originating from the EU/EFTA must be directed through designated Border Control Posts (BCPs) or Control Points (CPs) suitable for their specific commodity type. These designated points will facilitate risk-based documentary, identity, and physical checks as required. Furthermore, it is imperative to promptly present the consignment for inspection at the designated BCP or CP when summoned. Notably, inspections for high-risk plants and plant products from the EU, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein will transition from Places of Destination (PoDs) to BCPs and CPs. Additionally, for consignments containing fish or fishery products intended for human consumption, it is mandatory to upload IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) documents to the CHED import notification generated in the IPAFFS system before proceeding with the import notification submission.
Additionally, imports from non-EU/EFTA risk assessed countries will begin to align with the BTOM regime. The adjustments to import controls for non-EU/EFTA risk assessed countries entail several key modifications:
1. Streamlining imports by eliminating health certification and standard checks on low-risk animal and plant products, which will now be subject to intelligence-led interventions.
2. Decreasing the frequency of physical and identity checks on medium-risk animal products originating from non-EU/EFTA risk assessed countries.
3. Revising check rates and eliminating import control prerequisites for certain low-risk plants and plant products from risk assessed non-EU/EFTA countries.
4. Implementing proportionate inspection levels for high and medium risk plants, while maintaining the mandatory requirement for a Phytosanitary Certificate (PC) and CHED import notifications processed via IPAFFS.
Find out more about non-EU/EFTA BTOM risk categories for Animal Products
Find out more about non-EU/EFTA BTOM risk categories for Plant Products
Resources to help and prepare you for the changes that are coming
For previous webinars visit YouTube channel and watch recordings of our previous webinars for traders.
Read DEFRA's guidance on how to comply with your legal responsibilities for:
See our additional pages for information on the new import controls that were introduced on 31 January 2024 and common errors identified by DEFRA.
Plants and plant Products changes
Commencing preparation for the forthcoming alterations in border controls for plants and plant products is imperative.
Effective April 30, 2024, high-risk plants and plant products must be routed through a designated Border Control Post (BCP) or Control Point (CP) for meticulous identity and physical inspections. Notably, inspections will no longer occur at Places of Destination (PoDs).
Simultaneously, documentary, physical, and identity checks at the border will be implemented for medium-risk goods imported from the EU. To accommodate the reduced frequency of checks, a baseline of 3% for EU imports and 5% for non-EU imports will be established. However, variations may arise in specific instances, depending on additional risk factors.
It is essential to note that medium-risk fruit and vegetables imported from the EU, Switzerland, or Liechtenstein to GB will remain exempt from plant health controls. Further updates regarding these developments will be promptly communicated.
As we approach the 30 April 2024 deadline, you must look to plan your journeys to BCPs or CPs as early as possible. This will help to reduce any potential delays to your onward journey and ensure compliance with the new UK phytosanitary regime. DEFRA have created a map containing a list of BCPs and CPs which you’ll find on their Plant Health Portal.
In the meantime, you should adhere to the existing PoD requirements for high-risk plants and plant products until 23:59:59 on the 29 April.
PEACH Closure - have you started using IPAFFS for your Import Notifications for plants and plant products?
If you are an importer of plants and plant products, from 00:00:01 on Monday 8 April 2024, current users of the PEACH system will no longer be able to log onto PEACH and it will not be possible to submit import pre-notifications using this system. You must register for the IPAFFS system and start using IPAFFS now.
All importers must be registered with a UK address within IPAFFS to ensure they can submit import pre-notifications. Please visit this link if you need to register for IPAFFS. To ensure full registration information is provided, please ensure that links to an agent (if required) and the address book are up to date and ready to use for your import notification.
Training for importers of plants and plant products to support your transition from PEACH to IPAFFS
To support your transition from PEACH to IPAFFS we are running weekly one hour training sessions that provide a live walkthrough of the new process. Please register for a time that suits you via the links below.
Conclusion
As April 30, 2024 approaches, proactive preparation is essential to ensure seamless compliance with the new import controls. By leveraging our expertise and DEFRA's free resources and SPS controls, traders can navigate these changes efficiently and maintain uninterrupted trade operations.
Recommendation
We strongly recommend traders to:
Book a free consultation to discuss bespoke solutions and training tailored to their needs. Visit www.customsmanager.org
Access our resource hub on SPS controls and the Border Target Operating Model for comprehensive guidance. Visit www.csutomsmanager.info
Links and Resources
You can also watch DEFRA's pre-recorded training session here.
Guidance on IPAFFS is available on GOV.UK. and further details visit DEFRA's Plant Health Information Portal Import IT Systems page. You will be able to find the following information:
Read DEFRA's summary of common errors that have been identified through the documentary checks undertaken since the new controls were implemented.
Read the Frequently Asked Questions that have been received about IPAFFS and Health Certificates.
Please refer all enquiries for POAO to imports@apha.gov.uk
For Plants, Fruit, and Vegetables to : planthealth.info@apha.gov.uk
For Fish and Fishery Products for Human Consumption : helpline@food.gov.uk
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