The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal & Plant Health Agency issued OVS Note 2026/13 on 6 March allowing U.K. Border Control Posts to accept scanned copies of veterinary health certificates until 20 March 2026. The contingency measure responds to courier and flight disruption following U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent regional escalation.
The concession covers live animals, germinal products and products of animal origin. Importers must upload legible scans to the IPAFFS system and supply the original documentation retrospectively once logistics stabilise. Defra will review the regional security situation before deciding on any extension.
![Middle East conflict prompts temporary relaxation of original-document rules at U.K. Border Control Posts]()
While the note addresses agri-food movements, logistics experts say similar flexibilities could be activated for other controlled consignments if air-cargo lanes remain volatile. Companies relying on just-in-time supply chains should brief customs brokers, ensure electronic copies are ready, and budget for potential storage charges if goods are held pending paperwork.
The episode highlights how geopolitical events can ripple through trade-facilitation rules. Mobility and trade-compliance teams should map alternative routing options and maintain contact lists for port health authorities in case further derogations are announced.
The concession covers live animals, germinal products and products of animal origin. Importers must upload legible scans to the IPAFFS system and supply the original documentation retrospectively once logistics stabilise. Defra will review the regional security situation before deciding on any extension.
While the note addresses agri-food movements, logistics experts say similar flexibilities could be activated for other controlled consignments if air-cargo lanes remain volatile. Companies relying on just-in-time supply chains should brief customs brokers, ensure electronic copies are ready, and budget for potential storage charges if goods are held pending paperwork.
The episode highlights how geopolitical events can ripple through trade-facilitation rules. Mobility and trade-compliance teams should map alternative routing options and maintain contact lists for port health authorities in case further derogations are announced.
Source: GOV.UK – Defra OVS Note 2026/13
