Important update on Defra digital services

Dear Trader,  

Over the weekend, a technical issue has 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. 

We are working at pace to get the systems back online.  

There have been no significant delays to border checks and we continue to protect our high standards of biosecurity in the UK through effective monitoring across all imports. 

We have put in place contingency arrangements for the clearance of affected vehicles and consignments at the border, working alongside HMRC and Border Force.  

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. 

TRADER ACTION: 

We urge 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. Details can be found at the bottom of this email. 

We thank you for your continued cooperation as we work to resolve this issue as quickly as possible, and we will communicate further once a resolution is found. 

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 

Kind regards,

Trader Engagement & Readiness Team
Biosecurity, Borders and Trade Programme
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

*Defra Personal Information Charter: here