Navigating the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS): A Critical Guide for UK Importers

Since the UK’s departure from the EU, importers of animal-based goods, live animals, and high-risk food have faced a new level of regulatory complexity. The Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS) is now a central requirement for businesses involved in cross-border food and agricultural trade. But while it promises traceability and biosecurity, it has also created a series of pain points for traders—particularly those unprepared for the UK’s evolving sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls.

In this article, we go beyond generalities to examine where UK businesses often stumble in their IPAFFS responsibilities—and how to navigate the system efficiently and compliantly.

What is the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS)?

The Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System, known as IPAFFS, is the UK government’s digital platform used to pre-notify imports that are subject to SPS checks. These include:

  • Live animals

  • Products of animal origin (POAO) such as meat, dairy, and eggs

  • Germinal products and animal by-products (ABP)

  • High-risk food and feed not of animal origin (HRFNAO)

Importers must submit a notification in IPAFFS before consignments arrive in Great Britain from the EU or third countries. The data provided is used by Border Control Posts (BCPs) and Port Health Authorities (PHAs) to verify compliance and determine whether inspections or documentation checks are needed.

The Post-Brexit Shift: A Growing Compliance Burden

Prior to Brexit, most EU-origin food and animal products could move freely into the UK without pre-notification or inspection. However, since January 2021, and more recently with updates under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), these same goods must now undergo IPAFFS declarations and may be subject to physical checks depending on risk categorisation.

This has caught many smaller importers off guard. What was once a streamlined, low-friction trade flow now involves:

  • Timely IPAFFS submissions (at least 24 hours before arrival)

  • Health certificates issued by EU authorities

  • Coordination with carriers and customs agents

  • Understanding new risk-based import models

Common Pitfalls in IPAFFS Submissions

Many traders using the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System for the first time make avoidable errors that delay consignments and increase costs:

1. Late Notifications

IPAFFS notifications must be submitted at least one working day before the goods arrive at the UK border. Late submissions can result in shipment holds or rejections at the Border Control Post.

2. Incorrect TRACES NT Cross-References

For EU-origin goods, the corresponding EU-issued health certificate (recorded in TRACES NT) must match the data entered in IPAFFS. Mismatches in certificate numbers or commodity codes often trigger clearance failures.

3. Wrong Commodity Categorisation

POAO and ABP commodities fall under different risk categories. Declaring a high-risk product as medium- or low-risk (or vice versa) can prompt intensified scrutiny or incorrect routing to BCPs.

4. Failure to Coordinate With Customs Declarations

IPAFFS submissions operate in parallel with customs declarations. If your IPAFFS record and CDS entry contain conflicting information—such as net weights, product codes, or origin country—this inconsistency can delay both SPS clearance and customs release.

5. Unfamiliarity With Border Requirements

Each BCP or port authority may have its own process for confirming IPAFFS clearance. Some require printed copies, others operate via digital manifest checks. Importers must know the requirements of each entry point.

Key Requirements to Use IPAFFS Successfully

To use the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System, importers must:

  • Register for an IPAFFS account on the UK Government Gateway

  • Hold a valid UK EORI number

  • Ensure all consignments are accompanied by required documentation (e.g., health certificates, commercial invoices)

  • Enter the correct Commodity Code and CN Code

  • Coordinate with their freight forwarder and customs agent to avoid data mismatch

It’s essential to monitor deadlines and provide clear instructions to all parties in the logistics chain. A single misstep can cost hours—or days—at the border.

Why This Matters for Your Supply Chain

The implications of getting IPAFFS wrong go far beyond inconvenience:

  • Perishable goods may spoil during border delays

  • Failure to meet retail delivery windows can lead to contract penalties

  • Repeat non-compliance can damage your reputation with regulatory bodies

  • Extra costs in demurrage, storage, and re-routing pile up fast

For businesses importing food, feed, or animal-related products into the UK, mastering the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System is now a core operational requirement—not a back-office formality.

How Customs Declarations UK Can Help

Understanding IPAFFS is one thing—implementing it seamlessly alongside customs clearance is another. That’s where Customs Declarations UK steps in.

Our team provides end-to-end support for importers dealing with SPS-regulated goods. We ensure:

  • Accurate, timely IPAFFS declarations

  • Harmonised data across IPAFFS and CDS customs entries

  • Real-time alerts for missing or inconsistent information

  • Guidance on the correct Commodity Codes and risk categories

  • Full documentation packs for health, safety, and customs compliance

By integrating your IPAFFS workflow with your customs procedures, Customs Declarations UK helps you eliminate costly delays, avoid regulatory penalties, and protect the integrity of your supply chain.

Final Thoughts

The Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System has introduced a necessary, but complex, layer of compliance for UK importers. While it strengthens biosecurity and aligns with international standards, it also demands precision, coordination, and up-to-date knowledge.

For importers navigating this environment, the stakes are high. From perishable goods to vital feedstock, any delay or non-compliance can translate into real losses. Working with experienced professionals—like the team at Customs Declarations UK—ensures your shipments cross borders smoothly, safely, and compliantly.

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