Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has published the below detailed guidance on changes related to the process for returning consignments rejected at EU Border Control Posts (BCPs).
The current process for returning consignments rejected at EU BCPs requires exporters to notify APHA of their intention to return goods. APHA commission risk assessments from Food Standards Agency (FSA), Food Standards Scotland (FSS) or APHA (depending on the origin and commodity) before issuing an authorisation for the goods to return to their point of origin not through a BCP. Once back at the establishment of origin, the goods must be inspected by the relevant competent authority – for example FSA or the local authority – before they can be put on the domestic market or be re-exported. This service is only available to exporters during working hours from Monday to Friday.
From 20 April 2026 goods rejected at an EU BCP will follow the same process as those rejected in non-EU countries. They must be pre-notified and enter GB via a BCP. Prior to departing the EU BCP, the consignment must be pre-notified on the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS), ensuring that the ‘re-entry’ box is selected. The evidence of pre-notification must be provided to the EU BCP for authorisation to release the consignment. IPAFFS is available 24/7 and GB BCP opening hours can be found here. The IPAFFS notification must be completed by the operator responsible for the consignment in GB, not an agent in the EU.
It is vital that traders adhere to these steps closely when returning consignments from the EU. Failing to pre-notify on IPAFFS or failing to present re-imported consignments to the designated BCP are offences under Regulation 39 of the Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulations 2011 (TARP).
Port Health Authorities or Inland Authorities, depending on where the goods are seized, are the enforcement authorities responsible for enforcing these measures. The enforcement actions that may be taken vary depending on the public and animal health risk. Enforcement actions could be taken under Regulations 20 or 35 of TARP.
The current EU returns route will remain open to exporters if that remains their preference, however, this service will now operate to a 5 working day timeframe from pre-notification to risk assessment and clearance.
Returned consignments from the island of Ireland are exempt from the new process due to the lack of available BCP for these goods to return to. The current process will remain in place, and the existing working timeframe will be maintained for these returned consignments.
You must make a customs declaration on the HMRC CDS system. You may be able to claim returned goods relief, meaning that you will not pay any import duties. More information here.
Please note: Consignments rejected by SIVEP in France often receive a destruction notice. Exporters through their agent in France can appeal this and instead request the goods are returned to GB provided this is done within two to five days of the notice being provided to the agent. Returns are authorised by the SIVEP on an exceptional basis: their response will depend primarily on their risk analysis of the goods and on what has been observed.
Action
- From 20 April 2026, before goods rejected at an EU BCP can be returned to GB they must be pre-notified on IPAFFS, with the ‘re-entry’ option selected.
- The IPAFFS notification must be made by the operator responsible for the consignment in GB. The operator must have access to an IPAFFS account. Traders are therefore advised to ensure they have access to IPAFFS in advance or alternatively appoint an agent in GB to complete notifications on their behalf. Information can be found here.
- On return, goods must be presented at the designated BCP. Further information about GB BCPs can be found here.
- Returned consignments will undergo the required checks at the GB BCP. Depending on the findings, the goods may be cleared for re-entry, required to undergo special treatment, or destroyed if they pose a risk to human or animal health.
- Exporters returning goods from the island of Ireland should continue to use the current returns process as normal.
- Until 19 April, traders must continue to use the current returns process.
Defra will be hosting webinars on 9 April and 14 April 2026 for traders and stakeholders. These sessions are intended for industry representatives and key stakeholders who would benefit from a clearer understanding of the updated procedures and the operational implications for businesses engaged in import and export activities.
Please register for the webinars using the links provided below.
Webinar 9 April 2026: Revised process of returned consignments
Webinar 14 April 2026: Revised process of returned consignment
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