Guidance on moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland

Defra has issued a reminder of the new rules on moving goods from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI) that changed on 1 January 2021.

Pre-notification of arrival using TRACES-NT

If you move SPS goods – such as live animals, products of animal origin (POAO), high-risk food not of animal origin and plants and plant products - from GB to NI you need to ensure you follow these rules and make sure you complete all required documentation or your goods may delayed or even refused entry.

You MUST pre-notify the arrival of your consignment of SPS goods into Northern Ireland by completing a CHED (Common Health Entry Document) document using the TRACES-NT online system.

This needs to be completed 24 hours before your goods arrive in NI at your Point of Entry.

TRACES.NT is the European Commission's online notification system for moving agri-food goods into Northern Ireland from GB. It formalises and facilitates the exchange of data, information and documents between trading parties and Governments/Import control authorities.

It covers the notification of movement of live animals, animal products, food and feed not of animal origin, as well as plants and plant products from GB to a NI Point of Entry.

How do I use TRACES-NT?

DAERA has published a step-by-step guide on how to get started and use TRACES-NT. This includes how to create a TRACES-NT account, how to login to the online system and how to create a CHED document.

How do I use TRACES-NT to pre-notify?

Step 1: Access TRACES-NT - The person responsible for the consignment must be registered and have access to TRACES NT in order to pre-notify the arrival of a consignment of SPS goods at a Northern Ireland Point of Entry.

Step 2: Complete CHED Part 1 online using TRACES NT - To pre-notify a consignment, select which CHED document is required for your goods as follows:

If this information is not notified, it may result in additional checks on your goods at the point of entry and delay the movement of the goods through the point of entry in Northern Ireland.

Further information

More information to help you complete a CHED online and about TRACES-NT is detailed below. In addition, you can find useful information about Moving Goods from GB to NI from 1 January 2021 on our Trader Showcase.