DEFRA- Common Errors Found by Sample Health Certificate Checks and an IUU Documentation Reminder

SEVERAL common errors have been identified through the documentary checks undertaken since 31st January. DEFRA have summarised these and set out the official guidance related to these common errors to improve understanding and minimise errors being made in the future. You can read the summary here.  

IUU Documents For Fishery Product Consignments

Please send IUU documents relating to your fishery product consignments, imported from the EU, to the appropriate PHA or LA once pre-notified on IPAFFS. This will change from 30 April 2024, when PHAs/LAs will have full access to IPAFFS, and further IUU information and documents will be required to be uploaded to IPAFFS. IUU documentation may need to be uploaded to PHILIS, for PHAs and LAs who operate this system.

To find out more, join a Defra information session for businesses, running 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

From 31 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 plant and plant products.

Documentary checks

Between 31 January 2024 and 30 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 be provided with 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