10 March 2026: Military action in the Middle East – emergency measures (update)
Updated 19 March 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-veterinary-surgeon-ovs-notes/10-march-2026-military-action-in-the-middle-east-emergency-measures-update
OVS note number: 2026/14
Date: 10 March 2026
Purpose
To advise officials at Border Control Posts (BCP) that they may accept scanned copies of health certificates as a temporary contingency measure while there is disruption due to military conflict in the Middle East.
Background
OVS note 2026/13 provided advice to officials at BCPs about accepting scanned copies of health certificates as a temporary contingency measure while there is disruption due to the military conflict in the Middle East. This is an update to the previous advice.
Where, due to disruption due to military conflict in the Middle East, original official certificates cannot be supplied at the point of inspection, Official Inspectors are able, at their discretion, to accept a scanned copy of the original certificate in lieu of the original certificate until 20 March 2026 to enable the release of the consignment where appropriate. The scan must be legible, uploaded onto the Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS) or provided to the Port Health Authority (PHA) directly and include all pages including the signature and stamp(s) of the certifying officer. The original or a replacement certificate should be provided to the PHA when available, and where possible within 10 working days.
This temporary measure applies to: - live animals, including hatching eggs; - germinal products; - products of animal origin intended for human consumption, including composite products; - animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption - High risk food and feed not of animal origin.
Any extension of this allowance will be subject to a review of the current military situation. This allowance does not represent a general acceptance of scanned certificates for official controls in GB.
Contact point for enquiries:
Email: imports@apha.gov.uk
Imports and EU Trade Team