UK IPAFFS: Practical HOW TO guide to SPS pre-arrival notifications
- Arne Mielken
- Jan 2, 2024
- 4 min read
IPAFFS notifications must be lodged to bring certain SPS goods into Great Britain. Access our HOW TO Guide.
Using IPAFFS
Importers and import agents must use IPAFFS to notify authorities in Great Britain before the following goods arrive from EU and non-EU countries:
live animals
germinal products
animal by-products (ABP)
high-risk food and feed not of animal origin (HRFNAO)
products of animal origin (POAO)
composite food products
plants and plant products
Imports from Irland
You do not need to notify authorities about imports from the Republic of Ireland of:
ABP and HRFNAO
POAO
composite products
plants and plant products
Option 1: File IPAFFS yourself
Before you can use IPAFFS you must have a Government Gateway account. We can advise on how to set this up.
Once you’ve set up your account you’ll be able to register for the Defra service you want to use, including the IPAFFS service.
Option 2: We file IPAFFS for you
As an import agent, we are already registered for IPAFFS with our own business details.
Raising the IPAFFS
When you raise a notification in IPAFFS, you are responsible for the consignment from when it enters Great Britain until the authorities complete their checks.
Upload commodity details using a CSV file
If you’re importing plants or plant products, you can use a CSV file to upload commodity details to the Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS).
You must enter exact CSV values. Use the guide on completing a CSV file for IPAFFS to find out how to enter information into the CSV file
How to use a comma-separated values (CSV) file when uploading commodity details about plants and plant products to the Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS).
See details: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ipaffs-upload-commodity-details-using-a-csv-file
Check import rules
Find out when you need to notify authorities about your goods and other rules you must follow to import.
IPAFFS Registration and Team Access
Use the following guidelines to help you to register for IPAFFS. Once you have registered your organisation you can invite team members so that they can view, submit and manage import notifications on behalf of your organisation.
IPAFFS Registration Webinar Recording
Access the slide pack from the ‘How to Register for IPAFFS’ webinar here
IPAFFS Training Environment
IPAFFS Training Environment Please note: separate registration is required
Raise an IMP Notification for Products of Animal Origin (POAO)
Use the following guidance to help you to manage an (IMP) Importer Notification for consignments of POAO that are being imported from the EU/EEA into Great Britain.
Raise an IMP Notification for High Risk Food of Non-Animal Origin (HRFNAO)
Use the following guidance to help you to manage an (IMP) Importer Notification for consignments of HRFNAO that are being imported from the EU/EEA into Great Britain.
IPAFFS Raising an Imports Notification Webinar Recording
Access the slide pack from the ‘How to Raise an Imports Notifications on IPAFFS’ webinar here
Frequently Asked Questions - IPAFFS
Get help
If you need technical help with import notifications, contact us at info@customsmanager.org
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