Why Food and Drink Imports Require Extra Scrutiny
The UK’s departure from the EU single market fundamentally changed how food and drink products enter the country. Since the introduction of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), all imports of products of animal origin (POAO), certain animal by-products, and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin must undergo Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks. These controls protect public health, animal welfare, and plant biosecurity across England, Scotland, and Wales.
For importers, compliance is not optional — failure to meet SPS requirements can result in consignments being detained, destroyed, or returned at the importer’s expense. This guide walks you through the essential steps to get your food and drink shipments through UK borders smoothly.
Understanding the IPAFFS System
The Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS) is the UK’s digital platform that replaced the EU’s TRACES system. Every importer of SPS-regulated goods must pre-notify arrivals through IPAFFS before goods reach the border. According to GOV.UK guidance, notifications must typically be submitted at least one working day before arrival for products of animal origin, and four hours before arrival at the border control post for high-risk food and feed not of animal origin.
What Information Does IPAFFS Require?
When completing an IPAFFS notification, you will need to provide:
- Commodity codes — the correct tariff classification for each product
- Country of origin and dispatch — including any transit countries
- Health certificates or phytosanitary certificates — issued by the competent authority in the exporting country
- Establishment approval numbers — for products of animal origin, the exporting establishment must be approved by the UK
- Estimated arrival details — date, time, and designated point of entry
Working with a specialist customs broker can save significant time and reduce the risk of errors in IPAFFS submissions, particularly for businesses new to the process.
Types of SPS Checks at the Border
Under the BTOM framework, SPS checks at Border Control Posts (BCPs) fall into three categories:
1. Documentary Checks
Every consignment undergoes a documentary check. Officials verify that health certificates, commercial documents, and IPAFFS notifications are complete and consistent. This happens remotely or at the BCP.
2. Identity Checks
A proportion of consignments are physically inspected to confirm that the goods match the accompanying documentation — correct species, correct labelling, and correct quantities.
3. Physical Checks
Selected consignments undergo laboratory testing or detailed inspection for contaminants, residues, pathogens, or pest organisms. The frequency of physical checks depends on risk categorisation, which HMRC and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) determine based on the commodity, country of origin, and compliance history.
Key Commodity Categories and Their Requirements
Products of Animal Origin (POAO): Meat, dairy, eggs, honey, and composite products containing POAO all require Export Health Certificates (EHCs) from the exporting country and pre-notification via IPAFFS.
High-Risk Food Not of Animal Origin (HRFNAO): Certain fruits, vegetables, nuts, and spices from specific countries are subject to enhanced controls due to contamination risks. The list is regularly updated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Organic Products: Organic food imports need a Certificate of Inspection (COI) and must comply with UK organic standards, which have diverged from EU rules since 2024.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Many importers encounter delays due to preventable errors. The most frequent issues include:
- Submitting IPAFFS notifications late or with incomplete information
- Misclassifying commodity codes, leading to incorrect duty rates or missing SPS requirements
- Using non-approved establishments for POAO products
- Failing to arrange inspection slots at BCPs during peak periods
Professional guidance from EasyClearance ensures your documentation is prepared correctly the first time, avoiding costly border delays.
Preparing for Future Changes
The UK Government continues to refine its border controls. The Single Trade Window programme aims to streamline declarations, and risk-based targeting will become more sophisticated. Businesses that invest in robust compliance processes now will be best placed to adapt as the system evolves.
Need Help With Food and Drink Imports?
Our customs specialists handle SPS documentation, IPAFFS notifications, and border compliance daily. Whether you’re importing fresh produce from the EU or specialty foods from further afield, we make the process seamless.
Related services: View our full customs brokerage services
