INCHP03250 - Lodgements of documents: how the National Clearance Hub (NCH) deals with specific types of movement and/or goods: A-Z Kimberley-RPA
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-24)


This manual will be archived on 15 December 2025. If there is content within this manual you use regularly, email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) to let us know.

Note: This manual is under review following Brexit and is likely to be withdrawn. If there is anything within this manual you use regularly, please email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) to let us know. Please check the other guidance available on GOV.UK from HMRC.

Kimberley Diamond certificates

Without exception, original certificates for diamond imports must be presented to HMRC and endorsed before clearance can be granted. (For exports, original certificates must be presented before clearance as and when requested by HMRC).

When a consignment is selected for Route 1 declarants emails / faxes copies of the entry, evidence of value and the Kimberly Diamond Certificate to the NCH. Original certificates are presented to BF officers at the frontier who advises the NCH whether or not the consignment can be cleared.

Live animals and products of animal origin subject to Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVED) controls

Under the requirements of the EU and national legislation, HMRC cannot clear a consignment until it has confirmed that Part 2 of the Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVED) has been issued by the official body undertaking veterinary checks at the health controlled location and that the goods are fit for import. HMRC must also receive notification of the customs procedure for which the goods have been authorised.

When a consignment has been selected for Route 1, clearance of the consignment is now by ALVS (Automated Licensing Verification System).

Organic certificates

When a consignment has been selected for Route 1, declarants fax or email a copy of endorsed certificates to the NCH together with a copy of the relevant entry. The NCH clears the consignment within 2 hours of receiving this document unless it is incomplete, incorrect or the goods are being held by Port Health.

Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI) plant health controlled material requiring phytosanitary certificate

Plant Health locations that receive customs clearance at the NCH should use the following procedures:

Pre clearance

This process is also now by ALVS (Automated Licensing Verification System).

Post clearance

Declarants sends the original phytosanitary certificate(s) direct to DEFRA at:

DEFRAGovernment BuildingsMiddlecott House22 Willington RoadKirtonBOSTONPE20 1EJ

There is no longer a requirement to produce the original phytosanitary certificate(s) to HMRC.

Plant Health procedures for consignments under Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) for Northern Ireland, will be cleared using an email / fax copy of the issued Quarantine Release Certificate (QRC), with all supporting paperwork, instead of an emailed / faxed phytosanitary certificate to the NCH.

Pet clearances

If the declarant holds a release stating that the animal has satisfied the import control, those travelling under the Pet Passport scheme can be entered under CPC 00 00 041 which will result in a Route 6 clearance. The release must then be kept with the trader-retained entry.

All other pet clearances should be made under existing rules. When a emailed / faxed Route 1 entry is sent to the NCH, agents may request a return fax of the endorsed licence, so this can travel with the animal to the quarantine operator's premises.

Rural Payments Agency (RPA) licences

When a consignment has been selected for Route 1, two options are available for dealing with RPA licences. Either:
- the declarant emails / faxes a copy of the entry and both sides of the attributed licence to the NCH for clearance. The NCH clears the goods, endorses the copy licence and emails / faxes it to the declarant. Post clearance, the original RPA licence, accompanied by the NCH endorsed copy and an appropriate DEVD point showing that the goods have been cleared is presented to BF officers at the frontier for stamping, or
- the original RPA licences should be lodged at the NCH.