From the 31^st of January, the UK will be introducing new customs and SPS requirement on all goods being imported into Britain. The Department of Foreign Affairs have released various preparations business can made before the legislation is active from the 31^st of January.

1. Familiarise yourself with the new UK Customs and SPS requirements. Read the Border Target Operating Model and find more information and supports on the UK websites listed in the Key Links and Resources section.

Information leaflets from the UK Government to help you prepare for the TOM are available here . You can also browse a set of previous DEFRA webinars to help you prepare here .

2. Engage with everyone in your supply chain including your customers/importers in Great Britain and your transport and logistics providers to make sure they are aware of the new roles and responsibilities.

3. Make sure your GB importer or agent is registered with the UK Customs Declarations System - this can take time so needs to be done in advance.

4. For agri-food and animal exports, check the UK’s rules and risk categories to find out if you will need an Export Health Certificate – you can find more information at these websites:

• Import risk categories for animals and animal products from 31 January 2024
• Import risk categories for plants and plant products from 31 January 2024
• UK Guidance Notes on the import, export, and distribution of food

5. For agri-food and animal exports, make sure your GB importer or agent is registered on IPAFFS and that the IPAFFS reference number is included in the customs import declaration.

6. If you are exporting live animals or products of animal origin, you must be registered as an approved exporter on the EU TRACES System . This registration is necessary to allow IPAFSS pre-notification to be completed by your GB importer or agent and for the provision of export health certification to GB. The following TRACES training videos provide further information on the process:

• How to create an EU login and Operator Role Request
• How to create an Export Health Certificate

7. Engage with your local competent authority supervisory team responsible for your food business – whether that be the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine , Health Service Executive , Sea Fisheries Protection Agency or local authority veterinary service to confirm whether export certification to GB is required and to agree how this certification can be provided to your business.

8. Talk to your haulier, transport or logistics agent to make sure they are aware of the new rules and responsibilities.