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Export Health Certificates/Food Certificates

“An Export Health Certificate (EHC) is an official UK Government document, issued by APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency), signed by an official veterinarian (OV), that confirms that certain food or animal products meet the import requirements of another country”

If you are looking to export food or other products of animal origin from the UK, then you may well need an EHC. As experienced OVs, we can guide you through the process and sign and stamp the EHC for you. The EHCs are issued by the Centre for International Trade in Carlisle – a division of APHA, which itself, is an executive agency of DEFRA.

There are over 1,500 different EHCs available, covering over 130 individual countries. All are unique, specific to a certain country and product. They certify matters such as species and country of origin, disease free status, safe for consumption, processing information and freedom from contamination. Some products may require more than one certificate if they include several ingredients.

The certificates available are broadly split into a number of categories:-

 

Coronavirus/COVID-19 update

As with most businesses, we are closely following Government and Public Health England advice regarding coronavirus and acting on the latest information. In practical terms, we are now taking the following steps:-

  • Any of our staff showing clinical signs, or travelled recently to one of the ‘hotspots’, or been in contact with anyone testing positive, should avoid site visits and self isolate
  • Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or use hand sanitiser) before and after every visit and consider the use of PPE eg masks, gloves
  • Sneeze/cough into tissues and carefully dispose 
  • Making essential site visits only eg of vital food or medical supplies and minimising time on site
  • Minimise contact with people on site and keep a distance where feasible eg avoid handshakes and sitting close to people in crowded offices 
  • Consider whether a site visit is necessary or whether a load can be certified ‘remotely’.  Our governing body, the RCVS, have sent an email stating any such decision should be ‘reasonable and justifiable’ in light of coronavirus
  • Any loads currently certified remotely should be unaffected, assuming no issues with postal or courier services.
  • Using courier collection or standard post where possible, to avoid social contact in post offices

 

Brexit?

Whether we leave with a free trade agreement or resort to WTO rules, there may be significant changes to EHC requirements.

We have summarised the latest known information here. 

Where do I start?

Whether you are a new or an experienced exporter, we are here for you. We offer a tailor made approach, so if you need guiding through the whole process from start to finish, or just need an OV to turn up at your site to check and sign the EHC, or anything in between, we will do our best to help.

For further information about all aspects of EHCs and export, please click the button below.

 Click here for further details about EHCs
 

Can you explain more?

We also have a short video that explains the export process step by step. Click the image below to watch this now.

 

What next?

Whatever you want to send, wherever you want to send it – if it can be done, then we will help you to get it there.

For further advice – get in touch with our friendly team by clicking on the button below.

Get in touch