INTRODUCING NEW IMPORT CONTROLS EFFECTIVE APRIL 30 2024: CLEAR GUIDANCE FOR TRADERS
Attention traders! Brace yourselves for a transformative shift in import controls and customs clearance procedures, poised to take effect from April 30, 2024. These changes bring forth a paradigm shift in import procedures, demanding strict adherence to designated Border Control Posts (BCPs) or Control Points (CPs) for goods arrival and inspection protocols.
As the regulatory landscape evolves, staying abreast of these pivotal changes is imperative to ensure seamless trade operations. Clear guidance is paramount in understanding the intricacies of these impending alterations, which promise to redefine the import landscape.
Key Changes Effective April 30, 2024:
- Traders must ensure goods arrive through designated Border Control Posts (BCPs) or Control Points (CPs) and present consignments for inspections if required.
- These requirements apply to EU and non-qualifying Northern Ireland Goods entering GB from the island of Ireland, with specific dates to be confirmed.
Systems Testing Update:
- DEFRA, in collaboration with government departments, is conducting tests ahead of April 30 to ensure system readiness.
- Testing aims to verify operational functionality, process alignment, and infrastructure adequacy.
Inspection Messaging Service:
- Defra and HMRC will introduce a new Inspection Messaging Service for imports subject to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks from EU and EFTA countries.
- The service utilizes existing government import services to alert operators of SPS inspection requirements at GB border control posts or control points.
CHED-P Import Notification Format:
- A single Common Health Entry Document (CHED-P) format for both EU and non-EU animal product imports will be implemented from April 30, 2024.
- Traders will continue to use IPAFFS to create and submit import notifications, with updated questions and clearer help text.
Key Points for Traders:
- Traders must select the highest risk category for commodities in consignments to ensure appropriate SPS controls are applied.
- Reminder about Export Health Certificates (EHCs) and the importance of nominating additional contacts for inspection notifications.
- Operators of loads via GVMS-enabled carriers can use GVMS to check for SPS inspections simultaneously with customs inspections.
By adhering to these guidelines and utilizing provided resources, traders can ensure compliance with the new import controls and prepare effectively for upcoming changes.
