Understanding the UK IPAFFS System for UK Food Importers

UK businesses importing food, plants, animals, and products of animal origin (POAO) must comply with sanitary and phytosanitary controls. This is where IPAFFS comes in. This guide explains how the UK IPAFFS system works, when an IPAFFS pre-notification is required, and what food importers need to know to keep goods moving efficiently into Great Britain.

IPAFFS, which stands for the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System, is the UK government’s online platform used to manage import notifications for goods that are subject to health and safety controls. While it may seem like just another administrative requirement, understanding how IPAFFS works is essential for keeping goods moving into the UK.

What is IPAFFS?

IPAFFS was introduced to allow UK authorities to monitor and manage the import of goods that could pose risks to human, animal, or plant health. The system enables importers, agents, and businesses to submit IPAFFS pre-notifications before certain goods arrive in Great Britain.

These notifications provide authorities with information about the shipment, allowing them to carry out risk assessments and determine whether inspections or additional checks are required. In simple terms, IPAFFS helps ensure that regulated goods entering the UK meet the necessary health and safety requirements before they reach the market.

Which Goods Require IPAFFS?

The requirement to use IPAFFS depends on both the type of goods being imported and the country they are coming from. Goods that commonly require notification include Products of Animal Origin (POAO), live animals, certain food and feed products, plants, plant products, and some high-risk food items.

The UK applies different controls depending on whether goods are categorised as low, medium, or high risk. Medium-risk goods may be subject to routine documentary and identity checks, while high-risk food and feed products can face increased inspection requirements at Border Control Posts (BCPs).

Import requirements can vary depending on the commodity, its origin, and the latest UK border controls. As these rules continue to evolve, businesses should always check that they understand the current requirements before goods are shipped.

Which CHED Form Do You Require?

Many regulated imports require a Common Health Entry Document (CHED) as part of the IPAFFS process.

• CHED-P – Products of Animal Origin (POAO) such as meat, dairy, fish, and eggs.

• CHED-A – Live animals entering Great Britain.

• CHED-PP – Plants, plant products, and certain forestry products.

• CHED-D – High-risk food and feed of non-animal origin.

Submitting the correct CHED form is essential, as mistakes can result in delays, additional inspections, or rejected consignments.

How Does the IPAFFS Process Work?

The IPAFFS process begins before goods arrive in Great Britain. The importer or their representative must submit a notification through the IPAFFS portal, providing details about the shipment, including information on the importer, exporter, goods being moved, country of origin, transport arrangements, and any supporting documentation that may be required.

Once the notification has been submitted, IPAFFS generates a unique reference number that forms part of the wider customs process. Authorities can then review the information and determine whether any documentary, identity, or physical checks are necessary before the goods continue their journey.

In many cases, shipments move without issue when the information submitted is accurate and complete. However, mistakes or missing details can quickly lead to delays and additional scrutiny.

Common Challenges for Importers

One of the biggest challenges businesses face is ensuring that all information submitted is correct. Errors in commodity descriptions, origin details, CHED documentation, or supporting certificates can result in delays, increased costs, and unnecessary complications at the border.

Another difficulty is keeping up with changing regulations. Since Brexit, UK import procedures have continued to develop, and businesses that do not regularly import regulated goods may find it difficult to stay current with the latest requirements.

Why IPAFFS Matters

For businesses importing regulated goods, IPAFFS is far more than an administrative requirement. It plays an important role in protecting public, animal, and plant health while also supporting the efficient movement of goods into Great Britain. Accurate IPAFFS pre-notifications can help reduce the risk of delays, minimise disruptions to supply chains, and ensure businesses remain compliant with border regulations.

How Customs Wise Can Help

Customs Wise specialises in providing customs clearance for food importers and exporters in the UK and Ireland. We have extensive experience supporting traders and logistics companies with meat, dairy, fish, fresh produce, and other food-related customs requirements. We can support you in ensuring all the correct documentation is in place ahead of time and submitting IPAFFS notifications on your behalf.

As UK border requirements continue to develop, having the right customs support in place can make all the difference. If you have questions about IPAFFS or any aspect of importing goods into the UK or Ireland, the Customs Wise team is happy to help.