Switch to IPAFFS no longer happening on the 7th September 2020

Please see the below advice issued by DEFRA on the evening of the 26th August 2020. If you have any enquiries, please contact DEFRA by emailing ImpExPMO@defra.gov.uk.   Dear all As you will be aware the European Commission communicated its intention to no longer allow new imports using the CVED-P module of Traces Classic on 15 September 2020 as part of its move to a new import system, Traces NT.  In response to this we announced our  intention to move GB users to our new national imports system – IPAFFS. Today we have been made aware that the European Commission has decided NOT to transition to TRACES NT on the 15 September.  They have been reviewing their preparedness and will be setting out a new timeline.  At this time we have not been given a new date for when this transition will take place. What this means

• We do not require anyone to raise any notifications on IPAFFS from 7 September, you should continue to use Traces Classic
• If you have raised a notification for any consignment arriving after 7 September, this will need to be raised again in Traces Classic

In the meantime, you should note that IPAFFS will be our national import system from 1^st January 2021 and we still intend to transition users ahead of that date.  We are continuing our discussions with the Commission to confirm their timelines for the transfer to TRACES NT and we will be in touch in the near future on our IPAFFS transition plans. We have had a really high engagement level in our preparations so far, so thank you for your support.  Unfortunately we are responding to the EU’s change of plans, however, our priority is to our traders.  Therefore maintaining the use of TRACES in September, whilst it is still available, is the preferable option. Please share this message with your staff and stakeholders to ensure everyone who needs to know, is aware of this change in direction. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch by emailing ImpExPMO@defra.gov.uk. Kind regards, SPS IT Programme - Business Readiness Team – Imports and Exports DEFRA