Published:
16 December 2021
Updated:
04 December 2024
What is the NIPHL Scheme?
The NIPHL scheme is a way for growers and traders in Great Britain (GB) to move certain plant goods to Northern Ireland (NI). Like the United Kingdom (UK) plant passport scheme, the NIPHL scheme provides both assurance the goods meet the NI entry requirements and full traceability throughout the supply chain.
The NIPHL scheme differs from the phytosanitary certificate in that it is issued and/or attached by the authorised operator. Rather than applying for a phytosanitary certificate for each consignment, operators can become authorised with their relevant competent authority to issue and/or attach NIPHLs themselves.
Who can benefit?
Growers and traders who move the below goods can benefit:
- Plants and seeds for planting (plants and seeds which will be grown by professional growers or traded for retail sale)
- Seed potatoes (for commercial growing)
- Used agricultural and forestry machinery and vehicles
When is the scheme available from?
The scheme went live on 1st October 2023.
Further Information
Both the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) have released guidance which outlines the respective GB and NI arrangements and prerequisites for moving goods under the NIPHL scheme.
If you wish to receive goods under the NIPHL scheme, you must be registered with DAERA Plant Health as a Professional Operator and agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the NIPHL scheme.
To better understand the necessary steps required for GB operators, please refer to the DEFRA NIPHL Flow Diagram.
How to Register and apply for an Authorisation
GB Sender (Consignor)
Register as a GB professional operator via GOV UK
Apply for authorisation to issues and/or attach NIPHLs (valid for 12 months):
- For England & Wales, refer to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
- For Scotland, refer to the Science & Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA)
NI Receiver (Consignee)
Register as a NI professional operator via DAERA
If you are already a professional operator and intending to receive NIPHL consignments, you must sign a NIPHL declaration
Register with TRACES NT for pre-notification
Before Departure of Goods from GB
GB Sender (Consignor)
Dependant on the consignment type, journey varies as follows:
Plants & Seeds
- Ensure the consignment meets the NI phytosanitary and NIPHL requirements
- Print and attach the NIPHL to the smallest tradeable unit
Used Machinery & Vehicles
- Ensure the machinery is clean and free of any soil or plant debris
- Print and attach the NIPHL to the individual unit
Seed Potatoes
- Notify APHA/ SASA, providing details of the Seed Potato Classification Scheme (SPCS) Certificate, stock quantity and NIPHLs required
- APHA/ SASA issue NIPHLs, which are attached to the consignment of seed potatoes
Provide NI Receiver (Consignee) with details of the consignment and movement, including:
- Planned date and time of arrival
- Point of entry
- Vehicle registration
- Packing list
- NIPHL details
- NIPHL pro forma
Haulier
- Create Goods Movement Reference (GMR) via the TSS Portal, or Goods Movement Vehicle Service (GVMS)
NI Receiver (Consignee)
Receive consignment and transportation details from GB Sender, including:
- Planned date and time of arrival
- Point of entry
- Vehicle registration
- Packing list
- NIPHL details
- NIPHL pro forma
Before Arrival of Goods in NI
Haulier
Review GMR inspection status prior to arrival at NI port of entry. If selected for inspection, report to the advised Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) facilities. If no checks are required, driver can continue to destination
NI Receiver (Consignee)
Create a Common Health Entry Document (CHED-PP) on TRACES NT at least 4 hours prior to the goods arriving in NI