BTOM updates: GVMS notifications become available for some goods movements and CHED changes

This week (3 September) the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced updates to customs processes for importers of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) goods.

These updates aligned with the changes introduced as part of the Border Target Operating Model’s second phase – rolled out from 30 April onwards.

Updates for transit

Defra announced changes to the way traders will receive notifications about whether their goods have been selected for inspection.

These will apply to:

• Traders with landbridge movements of products of animal origin (POAO) consignments, entering or exiting Great Britain
• Traders importing POAO consignments ending their Common Transit Convention (CTC) movement in Great Britain

GVMS notifications

Since yesterday (3 September), it is possible to receive notifications about inspection via the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS). Previously, this was only possible through the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS).

When making an entry into IPAFFS, traders using GVMS should answer ‘yes’, when asked ‘Is this a GVMS movement?’ in order to receive notifications.

Drivers will then need to check GVMS for the notifications.

Exceptions

The change won’t apply to POAO goods in transit that exit Great Britain. Defra writes that in this instance “you will still be notified by IPAFFS if called for inspection, in the usual way”. 

For traders without GVMS, notifications will continue to be made through IPAFFS.

CHED changes

Defra also announced changes to high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin (CHED-D) import notifications coming into effect on the same day.

Traders importing goods from ‘Rest of World’ countries will receive notifications about upcoming inspections, in addition to those importing EU goods.

GVMS notifications are now also possible for movements requiring a CHED-D. It will also be possible for traders using the system, providing they answer ‘yes’ when asked if they’re making a GVMS movement at the start of their next entry.

Drivers using a GVMS route will be notified via the system if their load has been called into a BCP for SPS checks.

Discard drafts

Defra advises that any CHED-D entries begun before 3 September will no longer be valid.

Traders will need to discard drafts and restart entries.