As many of you will be aware, over the last weekend, a technical issue impacted Defra digital services.

One of the systems affected is ALVS (Automatic Licence Verification System), the system required to process the imports of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controlled goods.

Defra inform us that they are working at pace to get the systems back online.

They are also stating that there have been no significant delays to border checks, however based on industry feedback at Defra led forums, this does not appear to be the case.

We are informed that contingency arrangements have been put in place for the clearance of affected vehicles and consignments at the border, working alongside HMRC and Border Force.  However, we are yet to be told the finer detail of what that involves.

As it stands, Defra state that “Exceptionally, we are instructing SPS cleared goods to be removed from border locations and taken to their destination. Customs declarations will be finalised in HMRC systems as soon as possible”.

In the meantime, Defra are urging businesses not to contact the HMRC National Clearance Hub, but to continue to check their customs declaration in CDS for updates on any customs holds.

IPAFFS continues to be operational and available to traders to raise notifications of imports and associated documentation. Businesses are required to continue to comply with the new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) SPS controls.

Businesses with urgent enquiries about the import of goods should continue to contact their Port Health Authority (PHA) or the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) at their nominated point of entry.

Contact points for urgent BTOM queries:

Any urgent BTOM/import queries for plants and plant products across England & Wales should be directed to the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), by email, in the first instance: phsi-importers@apha.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can contact them by telephone: +44 (0) 3000 200 301

Any urgent BTOM/import queries for animal products should be directed to the Port Health Authority (PHA) at your nominated Border Control Post (BCP).    Find your PHA contact details at your nominated BCP on this map.   

If you need technical help with IPAFFS you should call the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) helpline on 0330 041 6999 or email APHAServiceDesk@apha.gov.uk

Defra are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible and will communicate further once a resolution is found.