What is IPAFFS and why it matters in Dover

IPAFFS is the United Kingdom system for notifying the arrival of regulated products, animals, food and feed. If your goods fall within sanitary and phytosanitary controls, an advance notification through IPAFFS is required. Dover is a strategic gateway for EU and non EU traffic, therefore timely and accurate notifications are essential. A clear notification helps border authorities plan inspections, confirm certificates, and keep supply chains moving. When data are consistent, the customs declaration in CDS and the IPAFFS notification form a single compliant workflow that avoids unnecessary holds.

End to end support by FBCustoms UK

FBCustoms UK provides a complete service around IPAFFS and Dover customs clearance. The team assists with the creation of accounts, the setup of trader details, the input of product data, and the upload of official certificates. Each notification is prepared with attention to commodity codes, quantities, packaging, country of origin and destination within Great Britain. For seafood and other temperature controlled products, attention to timing and document quality is crucial. The same care applies to plants, plant products, high risk food not of animal origin, and composite products.

Core services

• IPAFFS notifications for regulated imports, including seafood, animal products, HRFNAO, plants and plant products
• Dover customs clearance in CDS with correct document references and codes that link to IPAFFS
• Transit clearance and management of movements under GVMS and transit MRN where applicable
• EUR.1 preparation where rules of origin are met and documentary evidence is available
• Incoterms guidance for purchase and sales contracts to set responsibilities clearly and avoid hidden costs

How the process works with FBCustoms UK

1. Intake and document check, we verify exporter details, certificates, packing lists, transport documents, and product identification, ensuring data are consistent across records
2. IPAFFS entry, we create the notification, include the necessary attachments, specify the point of entry in Dover or the applicable facility, and align quantities and commodity information
3. Customs declaration, we prepare the CDS entry with the correct reference to the notification, ensuring that customs and sanitary controls are connected
4. Border coordination, we keep carriers and drivers informed, we monitor inspection outcomes, and we update arrival times if schedules change
5. Completion and release, once inspections are recorded as satisfactory, the customs entry proceeds to release, and delivery can be organized without unnecessary waiting

Documentation and compliance

The quality of documents influences the time spent at the border. Clear scans, complete certificates, and accurate references reduce questions from authorities. For products of animal origin, an export health certificate is normally needed. For plants and plant products, a phytosanitary certificate applies. For high risk food and feed not of animal origin, attestations or test results may be required. The IPAFFS notification references these documents and presents them to the competent authority. FBCustoms UK keeps the data aligned so that customs and sanitary systems match, avoiding duplication of effort and repeated queries.

Industries and product focus

Seafood importers find in FBCustoms UK a practical partner in Dover, because temperature and shelf life oblige precise planning. Horticulture and plant importers rely on careful handling of phytosanitary documents and delivery schedules. Food manufacturers and distributors benefit from predictable release times and well prepared declarations. Composite foods, ready meals, dairy products, meat and fish, seeds and bulbs, as well as HRFNAO categories, all require attention to detail and punctual submissions.

Why choose FBCustoms UK

A single contact for IPAFFS and customs reduces the chance of inconsistent data. Coordinated preparation, prompt updates when plans change, and clear communication help keep trucks moving and storage costs under control. The team is based in Dover and understands local procedures. The approach is pragmatic and designed to integrate with your planning so that IPAFFS and customs are treated as part of one coherent process rather than two separate tasks. The benefit for the importer is clarity, predictability, and fewer surprises.

Working with Franzosini & Butti

FBCustoms UK collaborates within the Franzosini group context. Experience in cross border logistics, customs brokerage, and regulated commodities supports the IPAFFS activity in Dover. This background means tested methods, consistent templates, and a steady focus on operational detail. The objective is simple, a compliant entry that clears without unnecessary delay, a driver that knows where to go, and delivery that respects your schedule.

Practical checklist for your next shipment

• Exporter details and, where relevant, approved establishment number
• Commodity code, clear description, net weight, package count
• Certificates, export health certificate or phytosanitary certificate as applicable
• Transport references, vehicle registration or container and seal, CMR or bill of lading
• Point of entry in Dover, estimated time of arrival, contact person in the UK
• Destination in Great Britain and any transit details if goods move inland before checks

Contact FBCustoms UK

Ready to plan your next shipment through Dover, send your documents and a brief description of your goods. We will outline the required steps for IPAFFS and customs, confirm timings, and provide practical instructions for drivers and carriers.

If you are an importer in the Food and Catering industry, further checks are required on products of Animal Origin and other High Risk Non animal origin from July 2022

From 1 January 2022, businesses importing products of animal origin, animal by-products and high-risk foods not of animal origin (HRFNAO) must pre-notify consignments at least four hours in advance of arriving into Great Britain. The pre-notification must be made via the Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS).

POAO imports from 1 July 2022

Most POAO imports from the EU to Great Britain must have a health certificate from 1 July 2022.

The EU exporter must:

• apply for the health certificate in their own country – competent authorities should use model health certificatesto create versions that exporters can apply for
• give you an electronic copy to upload to IPAFFS

The original certificate (not a copy) must travel with the consignment.

Import licence

You may need an import licence or authorisation to import your food and drink product from the EU if there’s no health certificate for your product.

In some cases, you may need an import licence as well as a health certificate.

Check the list of general licences to see if the licence you need already exists, and what you should do if it’s not on the list.

Commercial document

You should check with the EU exporter if the product you’re importing needs a commercial document. If it does, they must complete it.

The commercial document must include:

• details of what’s in the consignment
• the name of the person who sent it
• the name of the person it’s being sent to

The document must travel with the consignment.

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Please contact us if you would like help with completing your IPAFF notifications or just a tutorial on how the system works.

We can help you ensure your suppliers will give you the correct documents and ensure that the authorities are advised of the consignments within the given timescales .

These services are in addition to our Customs Clearance Services.

Please contact us on in**@*******ms.uk or call 01304 793366 for more information.