When sending parcels to other businesses, please be aware that these parcel movements are subject to the same import controls that apply to other commercial imports of plants and plant products into Great Britain.

These controls include the categorisation of commodities into high, medium (A&B) and low-risk, phytosanitary certificates for medium and high-risk goods, border checks, and the requirement for pre-notification on IPAFFS for most imports all still apply.

All regulated parcel imports subject to SPS controls are categorised by risk – 

*Although some fruit and vegetables from the EU, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland are medium risk, they are temporarily being treated as low risk (deregulated) goods. This arrangement will continue until 1 July 2025. Such products will not be subject to import checks at the GB border or charged the associated fees until this date.

Contact your post or courier service to find out if they offer an import service for commercial imports and for more information about the process.

Q&A

How can BCP checks take place if sending via courier?

Most courier facilities are designated as Control Points (CPs), meaning border checks can be undertaken at their facility by plant health and seed inspectors. CPs have to meet the same standards as BCPs.  

Why do the same import controls apply to these parcels, when they can be significantly smaller than other commercial imports?

Our system of commercial import controls for plants and plant products is based on the level of risk posed by the plants and plant products, rather than the size of consignments.

What about parcels sent to individuals?

If a business is sending goods to an individual for their personal use via post/courier, or an individual is sending goods to another individual for personal use, then the import is a personal import. See gov.uk for more information on personal imports.