Our use of Cookies

This site uses only cookies strictly necessary to ensure the site works correctly.

Please read about how we use cookies.

Hide this message

Strictly necessary and non-essential cookies

By clicking accept all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies and to our cookie policy.

We use third-party cookies on this site.

You have accepted necessary cookies only

You can change your cookie settings at any time
Hide this message

Logo - Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs

BETA Your feedback will help us improve the UK Plant Health Information Portal

Importing from the EU to multiple destinations in GB

  1. Home
  2. Trade
  3. Imports
  4. Imports into GB
  5. BCPs/CPs
  6. Importing from the EU to multiple destinations in GB

Importing from the EU to multiple destinations in GB

Delivering to multiple destinations: pre-notification and phytosanitary certificate requirements 

  • The Place of destination (PoD) scheme facilitated inland checks on EU high-risk plants and plant products and was a temporary measure that will now end at 23:59 on 29 April 2024 when checks move to Border Control Posts (BCPs) and Control Points (CPs) at 00:01 on 30 April 2024. 
  • Under the arrangements available within the PoD scheme, it was possible for GB-based businesses to import goods, and then deliver to multiple destinations, under a single pre-notification (referred to as ‘multi-drop options’). Multi-drop options gave advice on which PoD to notify as the delivery address on the pre-notification, when goods were being imported and then delivered to multiple addresses. 
  • From 00:01 on 30 April 2024, when checks move to BCPs or CPs, previous arrangements under the PoD scheme will no longer be applicable. Checks on all goods will now be performed at BCPs or CPs and importers are required to specify the BCP/CP on their pre-notification, rather than a PoD. 
  • When checks are moved from PoDs to BCPs/CPs, it will still be possible to deliver goods to multiple destinations under a single pre-notification in IPAFFS, if all goods are for the same company (outlined below). However, plant passports may be needed, depending on where you are moving the goods to. 
  • From April 30 where checks are moved to BCPs/CPs, the following applies: 
    • All the goods within a single pre-notification must be for a single importer only. 
    • It is not possible to have phytosanitary certificates for multiple different importers on the same CHED PP. It must be possible for APHA to match the business or company delivery address and the consignee on the phytosanitary certificate. 
    • Where possible, each phytosanitary certificate should be uploaded separately to the pre-notification. 
    • The pre-notification must be made to the BCP/CP that the vehicle/container is first arriving at, where the goods, if selected for inspection, will be examined.  
    • A single delivery address must be specified on the pre-notification (CHED PP) in IPAFFS. For example, this could be the first delivery location if a lorry was delivering goods to multiple locations. This address should be referenced on supporting documentation in order to be able to effectively cross-reference. 
    • If the size of the load means that the goods need to be carried in more than one transport vehicle/container, all of them must arrive at the same inspection facility (BCP or CP), for the relevant official controls to be performed. The physical and identity checks cannot be carried out at different inspection facilities. See here for further guidance. 
    • It is the responsibility of businesses importing goods to ensure that they maintain accurate records of where goods are moving to in GB, so that in the event of an outbreak, APHA are able to trace those goods. As part of the pre-notification, it is possible to upload to IPAFFS a list of all the delivery points that those goods will go to. This can be uploaded to the accompanying documents page of IPAFFS. 

  • These processes are pragmatic to allow businesses time to adjust to the new requirements and checks coming on 30 April 2024. Defra are reviewing these processes, and changes to our pre-notification and plant passporting requirements mean that changes in the future may be needed. Defra will advise on any further changes over the coming year and provide sufficient time for any changes to be implemented. 

Plant Passporting 

  • The existing UK plant passport (PP) requirements related to the domestic movement of plants for planting and some seed are not changing on 30 April. 
  • Authorised operators must apply UK plant passports to goods where required. Guidance on UK plant passport processes can be found here and here, and the complete lists of plants and plant products that require a UK plant passport to move are on GOV.UK. 
  • Phytosanitary Certificates permit the movement of plants for planting and some seeds, from Border Control Posts/Control Points to the first place of destination within Great Britain. Any onward movement of the consignment within Great Britain may require a UK plant passport.  
  • If the goods within the consignment have been delivered to a retail location and are for immediate sale to end users (i.e. delivered to a retail store and there will be no further commercial movement of the goods within GB) then PPs are not needed.  
  • GB Professional Operators are currently utilising the easement permitting the attachment of ‘draft’ UK plant passports to the movement of plants for planting intended for the final user between EU Member States and GB. 
  • This easement will end in June 2025 and preparations should be put in place before that date. 
  • Draft UK plant passports are not valid until a visual check has been made and recorded by the GB Professional Operator. It is necessary for the Professional Operator to record that the visual examinations have been conducted and that the requirements of the UK Plant Passport scheme have been met.