Posted by andrewivesonadmin | Posted 9th November 2016 | Blog, and News
An Export Health Certificate or EHC is a document that confirms that certain information, health standards and regulations have been met – so that animal products can be exported. It needs to be completed and signed by an OV (Official Veterinarian) appointed by APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency).
Our handy infographic will guide you through the 8 steps to export success, and we’ve explained a little more about each point below.
Step 1: Understand which products need EHCs
There are over 1,500 certificates available, and they all have slightly different requirements. They are split into a range of commodities:
Step 2. Decide what product you want to send to each country
We have strong relationships with APHA, DIT and other bodies who can provide advice on market research, international trade shows, packaging, product names, consumers and more. Our experience and relationship with various industry bodies can also open up doors with buyers and importers.
Step 3. Use our free website tool to see if there is an EHC available
We’ve also developed an easy to use Export Certificate tool, which will help you to easily find which Export Health Certificates you require. If there aren’t any available, then you can contact your trade association and DEFRA/APHA to request one.
Step 4. Contact Us
Wherever in the world you’re looking to export to, our official vets can help you check everything from ingredients, heat treatment and countries of origin to storage, transportation, manufacturing processes and health status.
Contacting us earlier on in the exporting process will help you to save time, money and effort. At Amivet Exports, our fully qualified veterinary surgeons have substantial experience in the export certification process, and we are on hand every step of the way to ensure that you achieve your exporting goals.
Step 5. The site visit
At this stage, we will visit your site, check your products, labelling, storage conditions and if appropriate, the container and seal details.
Step 6. Supporting documents and declarations
Our team of veterinarians will hep you to obtain the required documents and assurances. This might include details of country of origin, heat treatment and processing details.
We will also help you get the necessary declarations and certificates so that we can sign and stamp your paperwork. We can also provide advice about the other documentation you’ll need such as invoices, insurance documents, certificates of origin and more.
Step 7. We, as official veterinarians, sign and stamp the certificate
We will check and complete and sign and stamp the export health certificate and any other required documents. We will send the original to you so you can export your product. We also file a copy with APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) and keep a copy on file ourselves.
Step 8. Shipping and Logistics
Once everything is signed and approved, you can then ship your product, along with the other commercial documents you will require. If you require assistance with this stage, we’re more than happy to put you in touch with freight delivery companies if you need one to get your products safely to your customers.
Start exporting today
If you think that you’re ready to start your exporting journey today, contact us for an initial phone or email consultation with our experienced veterinary team. We can also send you a free high resolution copy of the infographic, on request.