The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced a postponement in the commencement of physical and identity checks on non-qualifying goods transiting from the island of Ireland to Great Britain until after 2024. An update regarding the new timeline for these checks is expected by Summer 2025. Defra is coordinating with devolved governments and border stakeholders to ensure readiness at key entry points, aiming to safeguard UK biosecurity.
In preparation, traders importing non-qualifying goods from Ireland to Great Britain must continue to pre-notify through the Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS) for all high-risk food and feed not of animal origin (HRFNAO) and medium risk A and high-risk plant and plant products. Additionally, obtaining an Export Health Certificate (EHC) for HRFNAO and a Phytosanitary Certificate (PC) for medium and high-risk plants and plant products remains necessary. Goods qualifying under Northern Ireland protocols will maintain unrestricted access to the UK internal market.
Source: FPC