Update on Appendix 5A changes to SPS (Sanitary & Phytosanitary) document codes for compatibility with CERTEX validation

As previously advised, SPS documents declared for Northern Ireland imports will be validated by the EU CERTEX system from 15th September.

The EU had intended to add the CHED-PP measures to the EU/NI Tariff on 1st September 2025, with an entry in force (EIF) date of 15th September 2025. The latest details we have suggest that these measures will now be added to the EU/NI Tariff on 20th October with an EIF of 29th October 2025 i.e. from 20th October it will be possible to set the ‘Date of Trade’ in the Northern Ireland Online Tariff to 29th October 2025 and see the measures that will apply from 29th October 2025.

These dates have not been confirmed by the EU, so are subject to change. In the meantime, the requirement to declare C085 on Northern Ireland imports will be driven by CDS mandating C085 when document code N002 or N851 is declared together with Additional Information code NIIMP or NIDOM.

The EU CHED-PP measures will cover document code C085 for the CHED-PP, and waiver document codes Y122, Y146 & Y979 for use with consignments entitled to exemption from the control. We are proceeding with publication of the new document codes Y122, Y146 & Y979 now. They will not be recognised by, nor mandated by, the EU tariff measures until the EU update has been delivered, but can optionally be used immediately e.g. in combination with 920Y and/or 901Y for ROW-NI movements claiming exemptions from the UK Tariff CHED-PP measure.

We have been advised that migration of SPS controls from ALVS to BTMS has now been completed, and that BTMS will be able to validate the NI CHEDs in the new Northern Ireland format. For consignments arriving in Northen Ireland on or after 15th September 2025, it should now be possible to pre-lodge the declaration with the new format document ID. For consignments arriving in Northern Ireland before 15th September 2025, please use the existing format of document ID.

Document codes C085, C640, C678, N002 & N853 are no longer permitted to use document status code XX. A further restriction will be added later in 2025 preventing use of document status code XW with SPS document codes unless a NIRMS authorisation is also declared. The tariff measures should always offer the option of using a waiver document code if one is permitted with the commodity code. It should not therefore be necessary to declare C085, C640, C678, N002 or N853 with document status code XW, other than in the case of NIRMS movements.

The Appendix 5A updates are scheduled for publication on 8th September 2025

250904 September Publishing Final Draft Appendix 5 A Amendment for CERTEX Validation