New import controls have been introduced and further changes will come into effect from 30 April 2024.
From 30 April 2024 traders must:
- Ensure goods arrive through an appropriately designated Border Control Post (BCP) or Control Point (CP) for your commodity type
- If called, present the consignment for documentary, physical and identification inspections at the BCP or CP
These requirements will apply to EU and non-qualifying Northern Ireland Goods entering GB from the island of Ireland no earlier than 31 October 2024, with the precise date to be confirmed.
Systems testing update
DEFRA are working in conjunction with the Cabinet Office, HMRC and other government departments to test the new systems ahead of 30 April, in line with the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM). We have planned 13 tests in total to cover a broad range of possible scenarios, led by the Cabinet Office. In recent weeks we have completed approximately 45% of the tests with the remaining tests scheduled to take place prior to 30 April. From a DEFRA perspective the aim of the tests is to verify that the IPAFFS and GVMS messaging system, designed to direct the driver to the BCP is fully operational, ensure all processes are aligned as well as assuring resources and infrastructure meet the requirements for 30 April, through full end to end testing.
Information to help you comply with the changes
Inspection messaging service for goods subject to SPS checks at the border
From 30 April 2024, Defra and HMRC will provide a new Inspection Messaging Service for imports of goods from EU and EFTA countries that are subject to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks at the border.
The Messaging Service will use existing government import services - Defra's Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS) and HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) - to alert operators and hauliers/drivers if an SPS inspection is required at a GB border control post or control post on goods arriving into a GB point of entry.
How it will work from 30 April for imports for the GB market arriving via a GVMS-enabled carrier:
- The person or operator responsible for importing the goods into Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) submits an SPS import notification (the Common Health Entry Document or CHED) to GB authorities for the goods, using the IPAFFS service, naming a GB port of entry or control point.
- The operator or their customs agent adds the CHED import notification reference number into the customs declaration for the goods made in Customs Declaration Service (CDS) in the format required and ensures that information about the consignment in the declaration is consistent with the import notification. The person or operator should also continue to monitor their IPAFFS dashboard and CDS for any messages around inconsistencies between the import notification and the customs declaration that need to be resolved before the goods arrive in GB.
- The operator, their agent or haulier raises a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) in GVMS. The GMR links all the declaration references together for the goods being moved, so that the driver only needs to present one reference at the border port they are leaving from.
- The driver provides the GMR at check in to the ferry or rail service on the EU side. Once onboard, the haulier/driver checks the ferry’s screens or HMRC’s Check if you need to report for an inspection service, available in 10 European languages, using the GMR to see if the goods have been called for inspection at the port’s border control post, an inland border facility or a control post.
- If a consignment in the load is called for an inspection at a border control post or inland border facility or control post, the haulier/driver must go directly there so that the inspection can be completed on the consignment.
How it will work from 30 April for EU goods transiting GB or entering via a non-GVMS carrier/port:
- The person or operator responsible for importing the goods into GB submits a CHED import notification to GB authorities using the IPAFFS service, naming the port of entry and adding up to five nominated contacts to the CHED import notification, which can include haulier contacts.
- The operator or their customs agent adds the CHED import notification reference number into the customs declaration for the goods made in Customs Declaration Service (CDS) in the format required and ensures that information about the consignment in the declaration is consistent with the import notification.
- After submitting the notification, they will see an initial risk assessment with the message ‘No Inspection Required’ or ‘Inspection Required’. If an inspection is required, the name and address of the border control post, inland border facility or control post will be provided.
- An email and SMS message with this information will also be sent to the person or operator responsible for the goods and to the five nominated contacts provided in the import notification. This is only sent if an inspection is required.
- The person or operator responsible for the goods in GB must ensure that the haulier/driver presents the goods at the BCP for inspection if required.
- The authorities have the right to overturn the initial risk assessment, so it is important for the person or operator responsible for the goods in GB to check regularly for messages until the goods clear the border.
- For CTC transits, the person or operator should also continue to follow HMRC’s transit process, which will be separate from Defra’s SPS import requirements.
