What is a UNN (Unique Notification Number) and how is it used?

When an importer or their agent submits a notification in IPAFFS, the system automatically generates a UNN – Unique Notification Number. This number is more than just a reference: it is the key identifier that links together the pre-notification, the Common Health Entry Document (CHED), and the customs declaration. Every shipment that requires sanitary or phytosanitary clearance receives its own UNN, ensuring that authorities can track and manage it from start to finish.
A UNN typically includes the type of CHED, the country code GB, the year, and a sequential reference. For example, a shipment of meat might generate a UNN such as CHEDP.GB.2025.0001234. A consignment of plants could have a UNN like CHEDPP.GB.2025.0005678. This format allows both customs officials and sanitary authorities to quickly understand what type of goods the notification relates to and when it was created.
The main use of the UNN is to connect IPAFFS with the UK’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS). When preparing the import declaration, the declarant must include the UNN in the documentation fields for each commodity line that requires it. The customs system automatically checks that the UNN exists in IPAFFS and corresponds to the correct type of consignment. If the UNN is missing, incorrect, or inconsistent with the declared goods, the customs entry will not clear. Instead, it will remain on hold until the issue is resolved. This automatic check prevents consignments from bypassing sanitary or phytosanitary controls.
The UNN is also essential for inspection and verification at the border. Border Control Post staff use it to retrieve the pre-notification in IPAFFS and verify that the consignment has been declared. Drivers or logistics providers are often asked for the UNN reference when they present goods at a checkpoint, especially if the consignment is selected for inspection. By quoting the UNN, officials can instantly pull up the electronic record and confirm which documents and certificates are linked to the load.
Another practical use of the UNN is communication. If an importer or agent contacts the Animal and Plant Health Agency, a Port Health Authority, or a plant health inspector about a shipment, they will be asked to provide the UNN. This ensures that both parties are looking at the same record in the system. The UNN is also visible in the importer’s IPAFFS account dashboard, where they can track the status of each notification. As the shipment progresses, the status associated with the UNN will change from submitted, to accepted, to cleared or rejected depending on the outcome of checks.
There are some additional details about validity and timing. A UNN is valid for the consignment and the scheduled date of arrival. If the goods are delayed for several days, the UNN may remain valid, but if the delay is significant the authorities may require a new notification with a new UNN. If the goods arrive earlier or later than expected, the original UNN is still used, but the arrival time should be updated in the IPAFFS record. Importers must never reuse a UNN for a different shipment – each one is unique to a single notification and cannot be transferred.
Errors with UNNs are a common cause of customs holds. If the wrong reference is entered into CDS, or if the commodity code and weight in IPAFFS do not match those in the customs declaration, the automated matching system will reject the entry. This can lead to costly delays while the agent corrects the information. To avoid this, it is critical that the UNN be copied accurately and that data be aligned across systems.
Professional agents like Franzosini & Butti Ltd pay close attention to this step. Once they submit a notification in IPAFFS, they immediately record the UNN and ensure that it is inserted in the customs declaration with the correct document code. They cross-check that the goods description, commodity code, net weight and packaging in IPAFFS match exactly what will appear in CDS. By doing this, they prevent mismatches and guarantee that once the consignment has passed any required health checks, customs clearance can proceed without additional intervention.
In everyday operations, the UNN becomes the central reference number for the shipment. Importers share it with their logistics partners, drivers keep it on hand in case it is requested at the port, and agents use it in their communication with authorities. It represents proof that the pre-notification has been made and that the consignment is part of the official workflow. For companies that handle frequent imports, managing UNNs systematically is a key part of compliance.
In summary, the UNN is the unique identifier generated by IPAFFS when a notification is submitted. It is used in customs declarations, by border inspectors, and in communication with authorities. It ensures that each consignment can be traced and verified from notification to clearance. Importers must treat the UNN as essential, record it carefully, and share it with all relevant parties. Agents such as Franzosini & Butti Ltd in Dover make this process routine, capturing the UNN immediately and embedding it into all subsequent steps, so that consignments are cleared efficiently and without unnecessary risk.