The GEFS (groupage export facilitation scheme) has been in place since the UK left the EU, to assist with the bulk export of a large proportion of consumer ready goods. It enables the final certifying vet to rely on 30 day support documents, rather than requiring a full document for every batch. In general terms, the details are below:-
- The exporter must be registered as a GEFS scheme member
- For exports from GB to EU only
- It INCLUDES meat preparations, meat products, fish, egg, honey, composites and pasteurised dairy products, as well as pet food
- Products such as fresh meat, raw dairy and animal by-products are EXCLUDED
- It is only valid for GB manufacturers that have a proven stable supply chain
- The goods must be packed for the final consumer
- A vet will carry out an inspection of the manufacturer, and assuming all is in order, issue the 30 day support document
- The manufacturer must ensure they send a batch specific declaration confirming no changes have been made
What has happened now?
DEFRA have announced an update to the scheme. The full guidance can be seen at this link. The main changes are:
- The visit and GEFS document must now be carried out and signed by an Official Vet, rather than any registered vet
- Updated template documents to use, which are more standardised in layout. These are shown at the end of the link above
- The documents must now be stamped with the OV stamp and will be subject to APHA audit
What does this mean to me?
For the majority of our clients, nothing will change beyond needing to use the new template. However as this has been based on the template that we created in the first place and shared with DEFRA, this will be minimal. Everything else should remain unchanged.
Visit our Contact Page
Written by Andrew Iveson on and tagged in EU, Export, GEFS, .