For ease, we have extracted some of the questions that come up regularly from the frequently asked question packs.
- Do I need to enter via a Border Control Post?
Between 1 January and 30 June 2022, your consignment can enter via any point of entry, it does not need to enter a point of entry with a designated border control post. Your consignment will not be subject to any SPS checks.
- Can I do one notification on IPAFFS for my full consignment, even if it includes several different products and going to multiple destinations?
From 1 January to 30 June 2022, you are required to notify each product type on IPAFFS and not the full consignment in one notification.
Example one: your consignment includes 100 pork joints, 500 packs of cheese, 200 cans of pet food and, is destined for two locations in GB. You will need three notifications because you have three different product types (pork, cheese and petfood) even though two products are going to the same address.
Example two: if your consignment includes 100 packs of cheddar, 100 packs of mozzarella cheese, 100 packs of brie, 50 pork joints and is destined for two locations in GB.
You will need two notifications because you have three of the same product types, cheese that is going to the same location and one product type, pork that is going to a different location in GB. Pre-notifications for different products can only be grouped in one if they are the same product type and are being sent to the same place of destination.
From 1 July 2022, you will need to submit a pre-notification for each health certificate issued for your consignments. This may mean you will need to submit a different number of notifications and we will provide further details in 2022.
- Are there any charges for using IPAFFS?
No, there is no charge for using the IPAFFS service.
- Am I able to use IPAFFS on bank holidays?
IPAFFS is an online service and can be accessed 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
- Who registers for IPAFFS?
It is the responsibility of the GB importer or a representative acting on their behalf to register for IPAFFS to pre-notify the relevant authority of the goods’ arrival. In making the notification that person or organisation becomes responsible for the consignment on its arrival in GB, including any follow up actions required and therefore needs to be based in the UK. The person responsible for the consignment must be registered on IPAFFS to submit the notification and ensure that all import procedures are followed and that goods are imported in line with requirements.
- Do animal by products come under POAO or HRFNAO on the notification?
POAO. Click to create a new notification, and then select Products of Animal Origin. When prompted, select or enter the commodity code for the Animal-by-Product and then all required fields to complete the notification.
- How do I select an IMP or a CHED notification?
IPAFFS will automatically create an IMP or CHED notification based upon which country of origin is selected.
- Do we need to add the approval number to the name as place of origin?
Yes. For Products of Animal Origin, you must use the place of origin address to provide details of the EU Approved Establishment. When you create a new Approved Establishment in the address book, you must enter the name of the Approved Establishment in Place of Origin name, as well as the approval number.
- Can a customs agent submit the IPAFFS declaration on the importer’s behalf?
Yes. You can employ an agent (with a UK address) to act on your behalf to submit notifications. Please note that whoever submits the notification will be contacted regarding any follow up actions related to the consignment, including but not limited to non-compliance and fees.
- What IPAFFS notification reference do I need to share with my customs agent?
From 1 January 2022, staged customs controls are ending on goods imported from the EU. All consignments must be accompanied by a full customs declaration that is submitted before the goods arrive at the EU point of departure. Depending on the system used, your customs agent will need to include your IPAFFS’ notification reference number (IMP.GB. 202X.XXXXXXX), as a licence number following the country code and licence type CVD in Box 44 on CHIEF or in the document identifier segment of DE 2/3 (Documents produced) on CDS following the country code and licence type CHD. In box 44 or DE 2/3, the CHED document code should still be used to reflect the commodity (live animals, plants and plant products, high risk foods and animal products) that you are importing to ensure successful tariff validation.
- Is fish classed as a POAO?
Yes, fish is classified as a POAO.
- Is there any option not to create two notifications when we are facing products with the same commodities number but different types and species of commodities?
From 1 January 2022, traders can create one prenotification and add multiple commodity codes, if:
a) the products are from the same product group i.e., a POAO that is two different types of cheese
b) the products are being exported from the same place and
c) the products are arriving at the same destination in GB.
- Are there any exceptions for Pharma, where for example - a product may have a small amount of gelatine i.e., capsules? Will this be dealt with as a POAO?
Gelatine products are POAO - however, there are specific import requirements that apply for gelatine capsules. Depending on the exact commodity, a general licence may apply. These can be found on gov.uk. Further information about gelatine capsules can be found here.
- Must the GB Importer have a UK address or can an Irish company with no UK address complete the IPAFFS pre-notification?
No. For animal product imports from the EU to GB, the person responsible for the consignment on arrival into GB should have a UK address and be registered on IPAFFS to submit the notification.