May 10th, 2021
8 mins
Members may recall in April, Defra announced they were launching the Digital Assistance Scheme (DAS) API Forum. The API is the first step in the phased delivery of the Digital Assistance Scheme, which will be introduced over the coming months.
Some members may also have attended one of the launch events, where further information was shared on the Export Health Certificate (EHC) Online API.
The API Portal provides access to EHC Online API for traders and technology specialists to test digital interfaces between Defra and industry systems for the movements of food from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI), enabling Export Health Certificates to be submitted digitally.
If you were unable to attend a launch events, you can still join the API Developer Forum community and start using the Defra API Developer Portal and the early-release version of the EHC Online API. A link that will give you access to the Defra API Developer portal and further details about how you can use it and access the API are set out below, along with details about how Defra will keep you informed as more content is released and how you can get your questions answered and feedback to the Defra team.
Using the Defra API Developer portal
The Defra API Developer portal has been created so that software developers and technology teams based within agri-food traders can learn about and integrate their existing software systems with Defra’s APIs. When you access the portal will be able to find out more about the API platform, access detailed documentation on the EHC Online API, understand how to integrate your application with the API, and find out how you can test your application in the ‘sandbox’ environment before applying to go live.
What will the portal provide for agri-food traders?
By using the portal you will get access to an early-release version of the EHC Online API, which is the first in a series of APIs Defra will be developing as part of the Digital Assistance Scheme (DAS). The EHC Online API will provide a way for your software systems to be integrated with Defra’s EHC Online service, so that Export Health Certificate (EHC) applications can be submitted digitally and in an automatic way. It will reduce the amount of manual re-keying of information, which will help simplify and speed this key element of the certification process and reduce the likelihood of manual error.
Information on the portal
The portal includes a video guide that details features and functionality across the site, which will help ensure users can deploy the tools. The guide includes an overview, information to help users get started, a reference guide, sample projects and guidance on how to implement your integrations.
How to contact Defra about the portal or API
If you have any questions, you can contact Defra at tradeplatform@defra.gov.uk. They will acknowledge receipt of your question but may answer through the portal User Guides or FAQs to ensure everyone has access to the relevant information at the same time.
How to get news on updates
You can subscribe to get notifications of service updates – and when more information and content is added – by clicking ‘subscribe’ on the home page news section.
Accessing the portal
You can access the Defra API Developer portal at https://developer-portal.trade.defra.gov.uk.
What’s coming next?
The portal, API endpoints and data payload are in ALPHA and Defra will aim to go to BETA in July 2021. Shortly after this time, they expect to provide functionality for you to register for production credentials. You will be kept informed as the development progresses.
Defra will also holding the next DAS API Forum meeting before the end of this month and will be sending more information out as soon as they have confirmed the details.
About DAS
The Digital Assistance Scheme (DAS) aims to support the continued movement of agri-food goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland by developing simplified, seamless, digital systems for the completion of the certification and verification processes required to move these goods. Defra and DAERA – their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Executive – have been working with a broad range of businesses to establish the critical challenges presented by the current processes. The Defra API Developer portal and the EHC Online API are the first steps in the phased delivery of DAS services, which will be introduced over the coming months. The aim is to extend to other types of agri-food certification and GB-EU exports as well.
More information about the DAS work Defra have completed to date can be found on the GB-NI Trader Showcase site.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email Defra at das@defra.gov.uk.
