Exporting Food to the UK — EHC, IPAFFS Requirements and SPS Checks 2026

Exporting food from Poland to the UK after Brexit requires meeting a number of formal requirements that were tightened in 2024 with the rollout of the BTOM. Animal and plant products (depending on their risk category) may be subject to checks at Border Control Posts (BCPs), and shipments must be pre-notified (by the UK importer) through the IPAFFS system. In this guide you will find all the requirements for exporting food to the UK in 2026 — from EHC certificates, through IPAFFS notifications, to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) control procedures and labelling requirements. See also what importers should check after BTOM and get your business ready to export.

1. Which food products need special documents?

The scope of the requirements depends primarily on the product category. The table below shows the breakdown by goods category and required documents.

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2. EHC — Export Health Certificate

How to obtain an EHC — step by step

1. Contact the District Veterinary Inspectorate (PIW) responsible for the place of production or dispatch of the goods.

2. Submit an application with the shipment details: type of product, HS code, quantity, exporter and UK importer details, planned dispatch date.

3. Arrange an inspection — the official veterinarian may require an inspection of the facility or the batch of goods before issuing the certificate.

4. Collect the EHC (on paper or electronically through the TRACES NT system) and attach it to the customs documents.

5. Send the UK importer a scan of the EHC before dispatch — needed for the IPAFFS notification, which for animal products must be submitted at least 1 working day before arrival.

3. IPAFFS — Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System

IPAFFS is the UK's IT system for pre-notifying shipments of food, feed and animals entering the United Kingdom. It is a UK-side system — EHCs are issued on the EU side (e.g. in TRACES NT), while the IPAFFS notification is submitted by the UK importer.

• Products of animal origin from the EU — an import notification (CHED) on IPAFFS at least 1 working day before arrival at the point of entry (GOV.UK).
• High-risk and medium-risk A plants and plant products — pre-notification on IPAFFS at least 4 working hours before arrival for air and roll-on roll-off freight, and 1 working day for all other freight (GOV.UK).
• Which obligations apply depends on the goods' BTOM risk category — check it for each product.

Who submits the IPAFFS notification?

The IPAFFS notification is submitted by the importer in the UK or their customs agency. The Polish exporter does not have direct access to the system — however, they must provide the importer with all the necessary documents before dispatch:

• Export Health Certificate (EHC) — for animal products
• Phytosanitary Certificate — for high-risk plant products
• Commercial invoice
• Packing list with a detailed specification of the goods
• Vehicle or container registration number

4. SPS Checks — Sanitary and Phytosanitary

Since 30 April 2024, the UK has carried out documentary and physical SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) checks for imports of food and agricultural products from the EU. This is part of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).

Where checks take place and how often

Documentary, identity and physical checks are carried out at designated Border Control Posts (BCPs) serving the point of entry. How often checks happen depends on the goods' risk category under the BTOM. When you submit a notification, IPAFFS gives an initial risk assessment, and if the consignment needs checks the importer (where the transporter is not using GVMS) receives a text and email 2 hours before the transporter's estimated time of arrival in Great Britain (GOV.UK). For chilled goods, build in spare time for a possible check.

The planned simplifications are described in our article on the UK-EU SPS agreement — until it is implemented, the checks described above apply. See also who must file an IPAFFS notification.

5. Food labelling requirements in the UK

Since 1 January 2021, food products exported to the UK must meet UK, not EU, labelling requirements. Key differences:

6. HS codes for typical food products

Correct tariff classification (HS/CN code) is essential for filling in customs documents correctly and determining any duties. Below are the most commonly used codes for Polish food exports to the UK:

• 0201–0202 Beef (fresh/chilled and frozen)
• 0203 Pork
• 0207 Poultry meat (chicken, turkey)
• 0302–0304 Fish (fresh, frozen, fillets)
• 0401–0406 Dairy (milk, cream, yoghurt, cheese, butter)
• 0407–0408 Eggs and egg products
• 0701–0709 Fresh and chilled vegetables
• 0710 Frozen vegetables
• 0801–0814 Fresh fruit and nuts
• 1601–1602 Meat preparations (cured meats, sausages, pâtés)
• 1901–1905 Bread, confectionery, pasta, cereal products
• 2001–2009 Processed vegetables and fruit (tins, jams, juices)
• 2101–2106 Miscellaneous food preparations (coffee extract, yeast, sauces)

Customs clearance costs depend, among other things, on the HS code and the risk category of the goods.

7. Cost of customs clearance for food exports to the UK

We do not quote service prices in this article — how we quote is explained on the page how much does UK customs clearance cost. The price depends, among other things, on the number of customs items, the HS code and the risk category of the goods. Remember also third-party costs that are not an agency fee, such as the veterinary certificate fee (set by the issuing authority) and the Common User Charge for SPS checks — see Common User Charge.

Comprehensive customs handling for food exports to the UK is provided by Easy Clearance — UK customs agency. Have a specific product? Contact us before your first shipment.

Frequently asked questions