This newsletter from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) covers the latest operational updates on requirements and border controls for importing live animals, germinal products, products of animal origin and animal by-products into Great Britain.
In this newsletter:
IPAFFS Scheduled Update – 14 August
Lumpy skin disease: import of animal by-products from France, Italy and Japan
Borders Directorate Communications – new email address
Plant Export Points of Entry update
Sevington Key Reminders for Trade
Useful contacts and information
IPAFFS Scheduled Update – Thursday, 14 August
Please be advised that a scheduled update will take place on IPAFFS today, Thursday, 14 August
This update is delivered using a deployment mechanism specifically designed to minimise the risk of disruption to users. It forms part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the stability, performance, and security of the system.
While we do not anticipate any impact on traders or day-to-day operations, we believe it’s important to keep you informed.
The CHED is fully submitted and visible in IPAFFS.
SPS checks (as applicable) are complete.
A customs hold is visible in CDS that requires action.
You include the MRN, and all relevant CHED references
Please note the Storm inbox is not able to assist with:
CHEDs still in draft or amendment status
General or policy-related questions
Messages that do not meet these criteria may need to be redirected, which can lead to delays
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and we’ll work to complete the update as swiftly and smoothly as possible.
Lumpy skin disease: import of animal by-products from France, Italy and Japan
Following further assessment, restrictions on certain animal by-products of bovine origin have been amended to exempt additional animal by-products from the restrictions and to allow alternative risk-mitigating treatment options for certain by-products. This change took effect from 12 August 2025.
Borders Directorate Communications – new email address
We’ve updated our email address as part of our transition from Defra to APHA. Going forward, all communications from the Borders Directorate will come from: NBO-communications@apha.gov.uk. Please make sure to update your records and add the email address to your address book in order to continue receiving messages from us.
We also host the APHA Business Readiness Forum – a monthly online session that keeps stakeholders up to date on the latest developments in biosecurity and trade.
The following locations are no longer valid Points of Entry (PoEs) for Plant Health Exports:
Belfast Aldergrove
Belfast George Best
City of Derry
While we are working on an update to Plant Health Export Service (PHES), please ensure these airports are not selected when submitting applications via Plant Health Export Service (PHES).
We will notify users once the update is live and the system reflects these changes. In the meantime, thank you for your cooperation and continued attention to detail when submitting applications.
Sevington Key Reminders for Trade
Tachograph break guidance for drivers
Drivers are reminded not to take tachograph breaks at the Sevington Border Control Post. For full guidance, including details of nearby designated service areas, click here: Tachograph break guidance for drivers
CHED References for Faster Processing
To avoid delays:
Ensure all CHED references related to the consignment are readily available upon arrival at the BCP Front Office
These may not always be in the physical paperwork however, electronic formats (text/email) are acceptable.
CHED references must be accurate and current
Always copy CHED references directly from IPAFFS after submission to avoid customs declaration errors.
Checks – Swim Lane Triage
Sevington BCP is a joint site with the Inland Border Facility (IBF), and misrouting can occur. To ensure correct triage:
Clearly state to swim lane staff that the driver is attending for a Defra SPS check.
Include the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) on the IPAFFS declaration when possible.
Present the Goods Movement Reference (GMR) and CHED reference at the front booth.
Useful contacts
Imports of animalproducts: for urgent questions about imports of animal products, including germinal products, contact the Port Health Authority or Local Authority at the Border Control Post (BCP) for the goods’ point of entry. Find the BCP and the PHA/LA contact information on this map or list.
Imports of live animals: for urgent questions about imports of live animals, contact APHA.
Imports of plants and plant products: for urgent questions regarding imports into England and Wales, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), by email, in the first instance: phsi-importers@apha.gov.uk . Alternatively, you can contact them by telephone: +44 (0) 3000 200 301
If you need technical help with IPAFFS, please call the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) helpline on 0330 041 6999 or email APHAServiceDesk@apha.gov.uk (not 24 hours)
