This newsletter 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:
Changes to Status Codes for Phytosanitary Goods
UK-EU SPS Agreement
Sevington Key Reminders for Trade
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) import restrictions: Argentina
Useful contacts and information
Important Update: Changes to Status Codes for Phytosanitary Goods
From Friday 24 October 2025, you will no longer be able to use waiver codes XX or XW for goods subject to phytosanitary controls (code N851) in your CDS declarations.
If your goods are not regulated for phytosanitary purposes, the appropriate waiver should be used. This can be found by referring to the conditions and footnotes available for the commodity code in the UK Integrated Online Tariff Tool.
Reminders
UK-EU SPS Agreement
We continue to share updates with stakeholders as soon as we receive them.
Negotiations on the UK-EU SPS Agreement are anticipated to commence this autumn, pending the EU’s mandate. Our aim is to conclude discussions and have legislative arrangements in place by 2027, subject to progress.
Until the SPS Agreement is implemented, BTOM compliance remains mandatory, including attendance at SPS facilities for inspection when required.
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.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) import restrictions: Argentina
Following an outbreak of HPAI in Argentina, the following restrictions now apply to imports of the following products from Argentina for animals slaughtered on or after 19 August 2025:
imports of poultry, ratite and wild game bird meat are suspended.
meat products of poultry and farmed feathered game (including ratites) must be heat treated to 70°C throughout the meat (heat treatment ‘D’). Note that the requirement for heat treatment ‘D’ already applies to meat products of wild game birds.
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)
Sources of information
We host the APHA Business Readiness Forum – a monthly online session that keeps stakeholders up to date on the latest developments in biosecurity and trade.
