The EHC can be a valid document which confirms that the information provided on the consignment is correct and the consignment meets EU regulations and health standards.
Since January 1st, 2021 an export certificate is required on all export consignments coming from Scotland into the EU that contained either Products of Animal Origin (POAO) or composite food products (products intended for consumption by humans only, which contain the combination of processed products that are animal-based (POAO) or plant products used as a primary ingredient i.e not used to flavour or process).
Businesses that move items of animal or plant origin intended for human consumption, in GB in the UK to Northern Ireland, are required to supply an Export Health Certificate on goods transport. Imports of products from animal origin will require a pre-notification prior to import through TRACES . There will be physical inspections upon arrival at arrival. There are a few easements on the conditions to sell at supermarkets, and additional updates due regarding the future application the easement.
Find out more information on GOV.UK.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is the agency accountable for the issuance of EHCs.
Businesses must sign up and request EHCs for exports out of Scotland into Northern Ireland and the EU as well as Northern Ireland using the online service. Businesses must have an Government Gateway account and a Defra account prior to applying. If you don’t have these accounts they will be provided to create them when you sign up for this service your first time.
Businesses can locate the correct EHC and the documents necessary in order for exporting a live animal or animal product through searching for the most recent editions of certificates available on the APHA website.
Companies will need to get an accredited professional verify their EHC. New exporters will need to find a certified person and then secure their services prior to applying for the EHC application. There is a current list of certified professionals on GOV.UK.
There is a guideline on the internet:
Guidelines to Food Business Operators on EHC
Webinar tutorial recorded about EHCs specifically for Food Business Operator
Webinar recorded on EHC challenges from Seafood Scotland
Assistance with getting EHCs in Scotland is also available by calling your local authority’s Environmental Health Department. Note that while these points of contact remain in check throughout the holiday season, there could be delays in responding to inquiries.
Additional support regarding EHC is accessible to Scottish businesses via Food Standards Scotland.
EHC Checklist
Use the form finder from Defra and verify that the product conforms to the requirements for export. If there is doubt the exporter must contact their certified agent.
Sign up to get the EHC Online account
Once you’ve registered and are logged in you can look up the EHC you require using the GOV.UK form searcher
It is the responsibility of the exporter to ensure that their application is approved. It is their responsibility to ensure that the Certifying Official (CO) they want to employ is registered with EHC Online; you cannot apply for them if they’re not registered.
Fill out your EHC application using EHC Online
Check and read the notes for guidelines to ensure that the exports conform to the requirements of the country to which they are going
Get your consignment checked and verified by your CO
Make sure that your certified EHC travels with your export consignment
