CHED-P and CHED-PP — UK border controls for high-risk food (BTOM)

What are CHED-P and CHED-PP — definitions and differences

CHED-P and CHED-PP are two types of document within the CHED (Common Health Entry Documents) family, used in the border control process for plant-based food and feed entering Great Britain. Although they sound similar, they cover different categories of goods, and it is worth understanding this distinction before planning an import.

CHED-P — Common Health Entry Document for Plants

CHED-P applies to plants and plant products that are unprocessed or minimally processed — including fresh fruit and vegetables, seeds for sowing, plant propagation material, and plant products with a low degree of processing. It is a pre-notification document submitted by the importer or customs agent in the IPAFFS system before the goods arrive in the UK. CHED-P confirms that the consignment has been identified, originates from a permitted country, and is accompanied by the required supporting documents (including a phytosanitary certificate). Under the BTOM — implementation of UK border controls, CHED-P has become a mandatory element of the import process for high-risk food and feed not of animal origin.

CHED-PP — Common Health Entry Document for Plant Products

CHED-PP applies to processed plant products — that is, products that have undergone industrial processing reducing the phytosanitary risk, such as dried, milled, or granulated goods. This covers products such as ground dried herbs, ground spices, granulated nuts, and processed dried fruit. The distinction between CHED-P and CHED-PP matters for how the consignment is coded in IPAFFS — the operator must select the correct document type. Choosing the wrong CHED type can result in rejection of the notification by the border authority or a delay to the inspection.

The role of CHED-P and CHED-PP in the BTOM framework

Within the BTOM structure, CHED documents serve as a "digital pre-alert" — they notify UK border authorities (APHA and port health authorities) of an incoming consignment before it physically reaches the border. Without an approved CHED notification in IPAFFS, goods cannot be directed to customs clearance as high-risk food or feed. Importers who have skipped this step have faced consignments being held at BCPs and having to submit retrospective documentation — generating additional storage costs and delays. Source: gov.uk/government/publications/the-border-target-operating-model-august-2023.

BTOM — phases of UK food border control implementation

The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) is the UK government's comprehensive plan setting out the timetable and scope for introducing physical and documentary border controls after Brexit. For importers of plant-based food and feed, the key phases are those covering products not of animal origin. BTOM — implementation of UK border controls describes the full timetable for all product categories.

BTOM Phase 1 — January 2024: animal products

From 31 January 2024, full border controls were introduced for animal products imported from the European Union: meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and processed products. From that date, importers had to issue CHED-A (animal origin) documents and direct consignments through designated Border Control Posts. Phase 1 did not directly affect plant-based food, but it demonstrated the control mechanism that was subsequently extended to plant products in later phases.

BTOM Phase 2 — April 2024: high-risk plant products

From 30 April 2024, CHED-P and CHED-PP requirements came into force for high-risk food and feed not of animal origin (HRNAO). From that date, importers of products on the HRNAO list must: submit a CHED pre-notification in IPAFFS at least 1 working day before the goods arrive, direct consignments through a BCP with the infrastructure to handle high-risk plant food, and provide an original phytosanitary certificate from the country of export. Phase 2 is the critical milestone for importers of nuts, spices, and dried herbs sourced from elevated-risk countries. Source: gov.uk/government/publications/the-border-target-operating-model-august-2023.

BTOM Phase 3 and beyond — 2025: expanded scope

In subsequent BTOM phases the UK government is progressively extending the range of products subject to mandatory controls. This includes: the introduction of controls for additional medium-risk product categories, the expansion of the list of countries subject to rigorous HRNAO checks, and strengthened documentary requirements for regular importers. The current BTOM timetable and planned changes to the scope of controls are published at gov.uk/government/publications/the-border-target-operating-model-august-2023. Importers operating on the UK–EU market should check these updates regularly.

What BTOM means for importers from Poland

For Polish businesses importing plant products into the UK, or re-exporting goods from third countries via Poland, BTOM means above all: the need for early planning — IPAFFS pre-notification requires preparation several days before dispatch; additional costs — BCP inspection fees; an obligation to obtain phytosanitary certificates from third-country suppliers; and the selection of an appropriate BCP with the capacity to handle high-risk plant food. Businesses importing through Polish freight forwarders goods originating from Turkey, Egypt, India, or China for the UK market should pay particular attention to CHED-P requirements.

High-risk food — HRNAO product list

HRNAO (High Risk Food and Feed Not of Animal Origin) is a regulatory category created by Defra and APHA for plant-based products that pose an elevated risk to public health or present a phytosanitary concern. Classification of a product on the HRNAO list is based on historical border inspection data, RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) notifications, and risk assessments conducted by APHA.

What is HRNAO

HRNAO covers combinations of product and country of origin — not the product in isolation. The same commodity may require a CHED-P when imported from one country but not from another. For example, dried figs from Turkey appear on the HRNAO list due to the risk of aflatoxins, whereas dried figs produced and certified in Germany may not be subject to this requirement. It is therefore essential to check the current HRNAO list each time for the specific product and country of origin combination (not the country of dispatch).

Examples of products on the HRNAO list

According to the list published by APHA and Defra, products regularly appearing on the HRNAO list include:

• Nuts and kernels: peanuts (groundnuts) from Argentina, Brazil, China, Egypt; cashew nuts from Vietnam, India; Brazil nuts
• Dried fruit: dried figs from Turkey, Iran; dried apricots from Turkey; dates from Middle Eastern countries
• Spices and herbs: chilli pepper and cayenne pepper from India, China; turmeric from Bangladesh; oregano from Turkey; sesame from Ethiopia, Nigeria
• Seeds: sunflower seeds from Ukraine and Argentina; sesame seeds from Africa and Asia
• Leafy vegetables and exotic fruit: selected leafy vegetables from West Africa; bitter melon from South Asia

The list is updated by APHA on the basis of ongoing risk analyses. The current version is available at: gov.uk — HRNAO controlled by risk category.

How to check whether a product is on the HRNAO list

To check whether an imported product requires a CHED-P or CHED-PP: (1) go to gov.uk/government/publications/high-risk-food-and-feed-not-of-animal-origin; (2) download the latest Excel or PDF table of the HRNAO list; (3) search for your product by name or CN/HS code; (4) check the country of origin (country of origin, not country of dispatch); (5) if the product and country combination appears in the table — a CHED-P is required. If you are uncertain about the classification of a product, consult a customs broker with experience in importing food into the UK.

IPAFFS — how to notify an import via CHED-P

IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System) is the UK government's IT system for pre-notifying the import of animals, animal products, plants, and plant products. Registering a plant import in IPAFFS is a mandatory step before every import of products subject to UK border controls.

Registering on IPAFFS

To use IPAFFS, the importer or a customs agent acting on their behalf must hold an account in the system available at ipaffs.defra.gov.uk. Registration requires: a Government Gateway account, company details (name, address, UK EORI number), and a declared role (importer or agent). Once the account has been approved, the user can create and submit CHED notifications. A customs agent may submit notifications on behalf of the importer after the appropriate authorisation has been granted within the system. Source: gov.uk/government/collections/importing-and-exporting-plants-and-plant-products.

Submission deadline — minimum 1 working day before arrival

The CHED-P notification in IPAFFS must be submitted at least 1 full working day before the expected arrival of the consignment at the BCP. In practice, this means: if goods arrive at Dover on a Wednesday morning, the notification must be submitted no later than Tuesday before the end of the working day. For large or complex consignments, customs brokers recommend submitting the notification 2–3 working days in advance to allow time for any corrections. A late notification may result in rejection by the BCP or a requirement to submit a retrospective explanation.

Required information on the CHED-P form

The CHED-P form in IPAFFS requires the following information:

• Consignment details: description of goods, CN/HS code, net and gross weight, number of packages
• Country of origin: the country in which the product was produced or harvested (not the country of dispatch)
• Country of dispatch: the country from which the goods are physically being sent to the UK
• BCP point of entry: the designated Border Control Post through which the goods will enter the UK
• Importer and customs agent details: name, address, EORI number
• Phytosanitary certificate number: reference number of the document accompanying the consignment
• Estimated time of arrival: date and time of planned arrival at the BCP

CHED-P status — what "Accepted" means

Once the CHED-P notification has been submitted in IPAFFS, the border authority assigns one of the following statuses: Accepted — notification approved, the goods may arrive at the BCP and be inspected; Rejected — notification rejected due to errors or missing data; Partially accepted — part of the consignment approved; Hold — goods held pending clarification. The status Accepted does not mean the goods have been released — it simply means the pre-notification is correct and the goods may enter the BCP, where decisions about the scope of the physical inspection will then be made.

UK border inspections — what happens to the goods

When a consignment subject to CHED-P arrives at the designated Border Control Post (BCP), the border authorities — APHA or the port health authority — carry out three types of inspection. The scope and frequency of physical inspection depends on the risk category of the product and its inspection history.

Documentary check

A documentary check is mandatory for every HRNAO consignment. The inspector verifies: the correctness of the CHED-P notification in IPAFFS, the original phytosanitary certificate issued by the plant protection authority of the exporting country — detailed requirements for the UK phytosanitary certificate are covered in a separate article, commercial documents (invoice, CMR consignment note or bill of lading), and customs declarations. Any discrepancy between the data in the CHED-P and the accompanying documents may result in the consignment being held.

Identity check

The identity check involves a physical verification that the goods that have arrived correspond to the description in the documents. The inspector checks: labels and packaging markings, product codes and descriptions, the country of origin shown on the packaging, and reference numbers on the phytosanitary certificates. Identity checks are carried out on a specified percentage of consignments in each risk category — for high-risk products this may be required at every shipment. Detailed requirements for UK food labelling requirements for imported goods are covered in a separate article.

Physical check — sampling and inspection

A physical check involves taking samples of goods for laboratory analysis or visual assessment by the inspector. For HRNAO products, a physical check may include: testing for aflatoxins (nuts, dried fruit, cereals from risk countries), pesticide residue testing, microbiological testing, and an organoleptic assessment (smell, appearance, packaging integrity). The frequency of physical checks is specified for each product and country-of-origin combination in the HRNAO table. For some entries physical checks are required on 50% or 100% of consignments. During a physical check, goods remain at the BCP until the results are available — which can take from a few hours to several working days.

BCP inspection fees

Importing high-risk plant food subject to CHED-P incurs border inspection fees charged by UK border authorities. The fees cover the cost of documentary, identity, and physical checks at the BCP. Fee rates are published by Defra and may vary depending on: the type of goods, the type and scope of the inspection, and the location of the BCP. Current rates are available on gov.uk. Importers should factor BCP costs into their total import cost calculation, planning their budget together with the UK food import customs clearance service.

Importer preparation — action checklist

Effective preparation for importing food subject to CHED-P requires action at several stages: before placing the order with the supplier, during transport arrangements, and immediately before crossing the border. Below is a complete checklist.

Step 1: Check whether the product is on the HRNAO list

Before placing an order with your supplier, identify: the CN/HS code of the imported product and the country of original origin (not the country of dispatch). Then search for this combination in the current HRNAO table on gov.uk. If the product appears on the list — all subsequent steps are mandatory. If the list is updated after you have placed the order — check it again before the goods are dispatched.

Step 2: Obtain a phytosanitary certificate from the exporter

The phytosanitary certificate must be issued by the official plant protection authority of the exporting country (National Plant Protection Organisation — NPPO). The importer should notify the supplier of the UK requirements as early as possible — obtaining a phytosanitary certificate can take several working days. The certificate must contain: a description of the goods and HS codes, the country of origin, and a declaration that the goods are free of harmful organisms and meet UK phytosanitary requirements. Details on the UK phytosanitary certificate are covered in a separate guide.

Step 3: Submit in IPAFFS in advance

Create the CHED-P notification in the IPAFFS system (ipaffs.defra.gov.uk) at least 1 working day before the planned arrival of the goods at the BCP. You may delegate this step to a customs agent with IPAFFS access. Ensure that all data on the CHED-P form matches the phytosanitary certificate and commercial documents — discrepancies are a common cause of notification rejection or goods being held at the border.

Step 4: Plan entry through a BCP with capacity to handle plant food

Not every UK port of entry has BCP infrastructure for inspecting plant food and feed. When selecting a transport route, ensure that the vehicle crosses through a BCP with the appropriate facilities. The list of active BCPs for plant products is available on gov.uk. Popular BCPs for imports from the continent include Dover, Eurotunnel (Folkestone), Tilbury, and Harwich — but always verify the current list on gov.uk.

Step 5: Factor inspection costs and time into your delivery schedule

Physical inspections at BCPs can extend delivery times by 1–5 working days, particularly where laboratory testing is required (aflatoxins, pesticides). Build this buffer time into your delivery schedule and inform the consignee of potential delays. The cost of BCP fees, any cold storage of the goods, and laboratory costs should all be included in the import price calculation. Contact us to obtain a quote for full-service UK food import customs clearance.

Summary of current official requirements

Importing high-risk food and feed not of animal origin (HRNAO) into the UK from 30 April 2024 requires: submission of a CHED-P or CHED-PP pre-notification in IPAFFS at least 1 working day before the goods arrive at the BCP; a valid phytosanitary certificate issued by the plant protection authority of the exporting country; directing the consignment through a designated BCP with plant food inspection infrastructure; and payment of BCP inspection fees in accordance with the Defra tariff. The scope of the obligation depends on the product and country-of-origin combination shown in the current HRNAO table published by APHA and Defra. BTOM provides for a further expansion of the scope of controls in subsequent phases. This article reflects the legal position as at 2026-06-06. Please contact a customs broker before taking action.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

Do all imported fruit and vegetables require a CHED-P?

No. A CHED-P is only required for products classified as high-risk food and feed not of animal origin (HRNAO). This applies to specific product and country-of-origin combinations published on the APHA/Defra HRNAO list. For example, fresh strawberries from the Netherlands do not require a CHED-P, whereas dried figs from Turkey or peanuts from Egypt may be subject to this requirement. Always check the latest HRNAO list on gov.uk before importing.

Where and how do I submit a CHED-P notification before importing into the UK?

A CHED-P notification is submitted through the IPAFFS system (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System) at ipaffs.defra.gov.uk. The importer or their customs agent must register an account on IPAFFS, complete the Common Health Entry Document form with full shipment details, and submit it at least 1 working day before the expected arrival of the goods at the UK border. Once the notification has been approved by the border authority, the consignment may be subject to a physical inspection, a documentary check, or direct release. Source: gov.uk/government/collections/importing-and-exporting-plants-and-plant-products.

What are BCP inspection fees and how much do they cost?

BCP (Border Control Post) inspection fees are charged by the border authority for carrying out inspections of goods subject to UK border controls. Under BTOM, fees for border inspections of food products at BCPs in England are set by Defra and published on gov.uk. The amount depends on the type and size of the consignment and the scope of the inspection. Always factor these costs into your import price calculation. Current rates: gov.uk/government/publications/plant-health-import-inspection-fees.

What is the difference between a CHED-P and a phytosanitary certificate?

A phytosanitary certificate is issued by the plant protection authority of the exporting country and certifies that the product meets the phytosanitary requirements of the importing country. A CHED-P, on the other hand, is a document generated by the importer or customs agent in the UK IPAFFS system — it is a pre-notification of the arrival of goods at a BCP. Both documents are required simultaneously: the phytosanitary certificate is provided with the goods by the exporter, while the CHED-P is submitted electronically before the goods arrive by the UK importer.

Does BTOM apply to imports from Poland (EU) into the UK?

BTOM (Border Target Operating Model) applies to all imports into Great Britain, including those from EU member states such as Poland. HRNAO food products imported from Poland into the UK are subject to the same CHED-P and IPAFFS requirements as products from third countries. In practice, however, the majority of HRNAO products originate from countries outside the EU (e.g. Turkey, Egypt, India) that appear on the APHA risk list. If you are importing through Poland goods that originally came from a third country, the country of origin still determines the HRNAO requirements. Source: gov.uk/government/publications/the-border-target-operating-model-august-2023.

Official sources

• High risk food and feed not of animal origin (HRNAO) — controlled by risk category — GOV.UK / APHA / Defra
• Import plants and plant products from non-EU countries — guidance — GOV.UK
• Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) — full guidance — GOV.UK