EXPORT HEALTH CERTIFICATES

To export live animals or animal products such as food and germplasm, traders must nominate a vet or local authority to sign an export health certificate (EHC).

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will provide details of how to find an offical veterinarian (OV) or local authority to provide this service.

1. First traders should search for their product: Find an Export Health Certificate

2. Check what the requirements are to access an Export Health Certificate, for example under current arrangements, triangular trade whereby fresh EU meat products processing or free circulation in the UK is not permitted to be re-exported to the UK.

3. Register online for Creds – traders can apply for a block of up to 100 certificates to one country or the same importer. Traders must enter details about the export destination, the certifier, the origin of the product, how the product will be loaded, details of transport and the estimated date of export. For block applications, the estimated date is the first date the export takes place.

4. Products must be submitted for certification by an OV or local authority on behalf of Defra, and translated into the foreign language of the Border Control Post of the member state authority of the intended importer (s).

Access a list of EU member states Border Control Posts. It is advisable to contact the local authorities for associated fees which may vary according to region and the services required. As an example, the local authority in Hammersmith and Fulham will charge £173.20 for new requests, or £48.90 for repeat requests, unless the products are exported to Northern Ireland, in which case the certification costs will be covered by the UK government.