Customs Glossary

What is IPAFFS?

A plain-English definition for UK importers and exporters.

IPAFFS is the UK government service used to pre-notify imports of live animals, animal products, and high-risk food and feed not of animal origin before they arrive.

What does IPAFFS stand for?

IPAFFS stands for Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System. It is the digital service importers use to give border control posts advance notice of certain consignments.

Who needs to use IPAFFS?

Importers (or their agents) bringing live animals, products of animal origin, and certain high-risk food and feed into Great Britain must submit a pre-notification in IPAFFS so the goods can be checked.

How it relates to classification

Whether a product needs an IPAFFS notification often depends on what it is and how it is classified. Getting the commodity code right helps you identify the correct sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls early.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

No. IPAFFS is the pre-notification system; an Export Health Certificate or Phytosanitary Certificate may also be required to accompany the goods.

No — only animals, products of animal origin and specified high-risk food and feed. The category, and therefore the classification, determines whether it applies.