Original document : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/import-of-products-animals-food-and-feed-system
Change description : 2019-04-17 11:16:00: Added note that IPAFFS is currently for testing and training only. Importers should continue to use TRACES to notify authorities of imports into the UK. [Brexit]
Showing diff : ..2019-04-17 10:19:07 +00:00
Guidance
Use this service to notify UK authorities you are planning to import animals, animal products, high-risk food or animal feed of non-animal origin.
Until the UK leaves the EU you must continue to use the EU’s TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) to notify authorities you are planning to import into the UK.
You can still use IPAFFS for testing and training but notifications will not be valid. Tell us how it can be improved by emailing APHAServiceDesk@apha.gov.uk.
This service allows you to create part 1 of a:
The Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS) is for imports from non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries. The EEA includes EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
If you have not registered for IPAFFS before, you’ll need to create a Government Gateway account for the business or organisation you represent.
If you have a personal Government Gateway account, you should create a new one so that your business contact details are linked to it. You need your email address, phone number and postal address.
If you’re registering on behalf of a business or organisation, you also need the:
Submit your notification as early as you can, even if you do not have all the details.
You must submit your notification before the consignment is unloaded.
You must submit your notification one working day before the consignment is due to arrive.
Find out more about how to use IPAFFS on GOV.UK.
2024-04-30 00:01
The page has been updated with information about changes to imports in line with the Border Target Operating Model.
2024-01-31 00:15
Removed a section exempting certain products from the Republic of Ireland from import notifications on IPAFFS. From 31 January 2024, import notifications will be required. Added risk level for plants and plant products.
2024-01-05 16:25
A prompt has been added to prepare for new import controls which begin on 31 January 2024.
2023-06-12 12:21
Added a link to guidance on importing plants and plant products from non-EU third countries to Northern Ireland under ‘Check import rules’. Added a link to IPAFFS for plants guidance in the ‘Get help’ section.
2022-04-22 10:28
Added information for import agents acting on behalf of an importer.
2021-12-20 15:41
Updated the section ‘If you need help with your customs declaration’.
2021-12-17 09:56
Added a ‘If you need help with your customs declaration’ section.
2021-12-16 15:47
Updated to include plants and show change in rules from 1 January 2022 for imports from the Republic of Ireland to Great Britain.
2021-09-14 15:24
Updated with new dates for the introduction of controls on imports of products of animal origin, animal by-products and high risk food and feed not of animal origin.
2020-09-30 11:57
Removed the registration guides PDFs – you can now use the service to understand how to register.
2020-09-04 16:39
Explained that you can enrol into IPAFFS if you have registered for another Defra service by signing into your service.
2020-08-27 09:12
The dates agreed with the EU commission for using IPAFFS (7 and 15 September 2020) are no longer valid – TRACES will still be the process to follow.
2020-08-26 09:24
Explained that “from 7 September 2020, you must use IPAFFS to notify authorities of GB imports of products of animal origin (POAO) from non-EU countries.” Clarified processes about importing from EU and non-EU countries.
2020-06-29 16:14
Added registration guides.
2020-06-29 12:03
Removed “If your notification is shown as 'in progress' you'll need to call the relevant border control post (BCP) to ask them for access to make your changes” because it only applies to non-EU imports.
2020-06-29 10:47
Added information on how and when to submit and update a notification.
2019-11-29 12:02
Updated information about IPAFFS and added a link to TRACES New Technology (NT), which must be used from 14 December 2019.
2019-10-02 11:43
IPAFFS is open for registration.
2019-09-16 14:01
Revised page to explain more about what IPAFFS is – page will be updated when IPAFFS is open for registration and when any new import processes are confirmed.
2019-08-23 16:05
Edited call out to make it clearer how TRACES and IPAFFS can be used before and after Brexit.
2019-04-17 11:16
Added note that IPAFFS is currently for testing and training only. Importers should continue to use TRACES to notify authorities of imports into the UK.