UK Customs

  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 or...

  In today's global economy, businesses in the UK engage in international trade to import goods from various countries. However, importing goods into the UK involves fulfilling customs requirements, and one of the most crucial steps in this process is submitting an  import declaration . Ensuring accurate and timely customs declarations is essential for compliance, avoiding penalties, and ensuring smooth trade operations. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of import declarations , including their purpose, requirements, how to submit them, common mistakes to avoid, and best practices for compliance. What is an Import Declaration? An import declaration is a formal statement submitted to UK customs authorities, providing detailed information about goods being imported into the country. It includes essential details such as the type of goods, their value, origin, tariff classification, and applicable duties or taxes. All businesses importing goods into the UK must su...