What do I need to export to Great Britain?

It depends on your product group. Products of animal origin and high-risk foods are notified in the IPAFFS system before they arrive; for products of animal origin from outside the EU, the notification is made at least one working day before the goods arrive (GOV.UK: IPAFFS). For cosmetics, a Responsible Person established in the UK is designated and the product is notified through SCPN before it is made available (GOV.UK: cosmetics). Related services: IPAFFS, UK Responsible Person, SCPN.

Is my EU CPNP notification valid in Great Britain?

No. In Great Britain the notification is made through the OPSS’s SCPN service, separately from the CPNP (GOV.UK: SCPN). The Responsible Person must also have an address established in the UK; mail-forwarding and PO box addresses are not accepted. We submit the notification in our SCPN service.

Does my food label need a UK address?

Yes. Since January 1, 2024, prepackaged food labels carry the UK address of the business responsible for the food information; if that business is outside the UK, the address of the UK importer is given. The address must be a physical postal address (GOV.UK: food labeling). We check your label in our label review service.

Can my EU EORI number be used in Great Britain?

No. Bringing goods into Great Britain requires an EORI number that starts with GB; other countries’ EORI numbers are not accepted (GOV.UK: EORI). Applying usually requires being established in the UK; businesses that cannot apply appoint a representative for customs procedures. Details on the GB EORI page.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to export to Great Britain?: It depends on your product group. Products of animal origin and high-risk foods are notified in the IPAFFS system before they arrive; for products of animal origin from outside the EU, the notification is made at least one working day before the goods arrive (GOV.UK: IPAFFS). For cosmetics, a Responsible Person established in the UK is designated and the product is notified through SCPN before it is made available (GOV.UK: cosmetics). Related services: IPAFFS, UK Responsible Person, SCPN.
Is my EU CPNP notification valid in Great Britain?: No. In Great Britain the notification is made through the OPSS’s SCPN service, separately from the CPNP (GOV.UK: SCPN). The Responsible Person must also have an address established in the UK; mail-forwarding and PO box addresses are not accepted. We submit the notification in our SCPN service.
Does my food label need a UK address?: Yes. Since January 1, 2024, prepackaged food labels carry the UK address of the business responsible for the food information; if that business is outside the UK, the address of the UK importer is given. The address must be a physical postal address (GOV.UK: food labeling). We check your label in our label review service.
Can my EU EORI number be used in Great Britain?: No. Bringing goods into Great Britain requires an EORI number that starts with GB; other countries’ EORI numbers are not accepted (GOV.UK: EORI). Applying usually requires being established in the UK; businesses that cannot apply appoint a representative for customs procedures. Details on the GB EORI page.

Sources: GOV.UK: Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS); GOV.UK: Food labelling, giving food information to consumers; GOV.UK: Making cosmetic products available in Great Britain; GOV.UK: Get an EORI number.