What is the Automatic Licence Verification System (ALVS)?
Certain goods need licences or certificates before they are imported into the UK. Currently these have to be physically shown to HMRC in order for the import to proceed. The ALV system will allow the licensing government department to send its decision on an import direct to HMRC. Phase 1: The HMRC import/export computer system (CHIEF) will be linked to Defra’s Horticultural Marketing and Plant Health and Seed Inspectorates back-end systems via ALVS. Phase 2 plans to capture the Common Veterinary Entry Document certification system used for selected animals and animal products (subject to feasibility study). These advances will improve the speed of clearing goods and reduce the administration of controlled imports/exports. For more information on the link between horticultural marketing, plant health and seed inspectorates and HMRC please see JCCC (06) 45 Government process re-engineering: data messaging exchanges and JCCC (07) 29 ITSW: Automatic Licence Verification (ALV) for HMI and
