Expert Guide to Mastering Veterinary Export Health Certificates
Completing EU, UK and U.S. Veterinary Export Certificates: A 2025 Guide for Food Traders
Completing veterinary health certificates is achievinga crucial step for food traders dealing with international trade. The requirements for completing these certificates can often feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and understanding, the process can become much smoother. In this blog, we will focus on the importance of completing veterinary export certificates correctly and guide you through the systems and procedures involved in ensuring your products meet the necessary standards for importation and exportation. I will answer the following three questions:
What are SPS Controls in the EU, UK and U.S.?
What are veterinary export certificates, and why are they necessary?
Export Health Certificates: What are the EU, UK, and US Requirements in a nutshell?
How do different systems help manage veterinary export certification?
What common mistakes should be avoided when completing veterinary health certificates?
Let’s dive into these questions and answer them thoroughly to help you navigate the complexities of veterinary export certification.
What are SPS Controls in the EU, UK and U.S?
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures protect human, animal, and plant health. These measures are designed to prevent the spread of diseases, pests, and contaminants across borders. The EU, UK, and US all have their own SPS controls that exporters and importers must comply with to ensure that food and animal products meet health standards.
EU Official Controls
In the EU, Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 outlines the official controls that ensure compliance with food law, animal health, and welfare standards. This regulation applies to goods imported from non-EU countries, focusing on protecting animal and plant health. It establishes the procedures and requirements for inspections, certification, and monitoring to guarantee that imported goods meet the EU's high health standards. These controls are crucial for preventing the spread of diseases, pests, and contaminants that could pose risks to public health, agriculture, and the environment.
UK Veterinary Controls
In the UK, the framework for veterinary controls is governed by the Official Controls (Animals, Feed and Food, Plant Health Fees etc.) Regulations 2019. These regulations mirror the EU’s approach to ensuring that food and animal products entering or leaving the UK comply with the necessary health and safety standards. They regulate the import and export of live animals, animal products, and high-risk food items, aiming to prevent the entry of animal diseases and pests. The regulations provide a clear structure for maintaining food safety and animal health, requiring stringent inspections and certifications to support public health protection and trade facilitation.
U.S. Veterinary Controls
In the United States, veterinary controls are primarily governed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other relevant authorities, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The USDA oversees the exportation of animal products, including meat, poultry, and dairy, ensuring that these products comply with the health and safety standards of the importing countries. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) plays a key role in safeguarding animal health, issuing veterinary certificates and conducting inspections to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. These controls are essential for maintaining the integrity of the U.S. export market and ensuring that exports meet international health requirements.
How We Can Help
At Customs Manager Ltd, we understand that completing veterinary export certificates can be a complex process, but we are here to help. We offer:
Training on SPS Import & Export Controls: Learn the ins and outs of SPS regulations, export health certificates, and how to use systems like TRACES and IPAFFS.
Step-by-Step Guides: Get access to easy-to-follow guides on how to complete health certificates and navigate the export process.
Consultancy and Support: Our experts can help ensure your documentation is accurate and compliant with all relevant regulations.
By working with us, you can ensure that your veterinary health certificates are completed correctly, reducing the risk of delays and complications during export. Read this blog to find out more about our services.
What Are Veterinary Export Certificates, and Why Are They Necessary?
Veterinary export certificates are official documents required for the export of certain food products, especially those of animal origin. These certificates ensure that the products meet the health and safety standards of the destination country. The certificates confirm that the goods comply with specific sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations, protecting both human and animal health and preventing the spread of diseases and pests.
Without these certificates, your products could face delays at the border, rejections, or even destruction, depending on the regulations of the importing country. The certification process requires accurate information about the products, the origin, and the health status of the goods. It must also be signed and stamped by an official veterinarian to ensure its legitimacy.
Export Health Certificates: What are the EU, UK, and US Requirements in a nutshell?
EU: Offical Controls Veterinary Export Health Certificates (OC VEHC): An Export Health Certificate (EHC) is required when exporting live animals or animal products from Great Britain to the EU or non-EU countries. It ensures that the export meets the health requirements of the destination country. The certificate must be accurately completed, signed, and stamped by an official veterinarian to avoid delays or rejections at the border.
UK: Export Health Certificates: A UK Veterinary Health Certificate may be required for goods entering the UK. This certificate ensures that the exported goods comply with UK SPS regulations. The certificate must be completed correctly and without errors and accompanied by the necessary stamps and signatures from official veterinarians.
US: Veterinary Export Certificates: For goods imported into the US, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) requires veterinary export certificates for animal products, including meat, dairy, and poultry. The USDA ensures that these products meet the health standards of the importing country. Some produce is managed by the Food Administration.
What are the top three core conditions to get an Offical Control Veterianry Export Certificate issued?
Origin Restrictions
The importation of animal products into the EU, UK, and US is tightly regulated, with specific restrictions based on the origin of the goods. For example, collagen derived from bovine sources may only be imported from approved countries like South Korea, Malaysia, or Taiwan. Similarly, the US follows its own set of import regulations, permitting products only from countries listed in the USDA's approved exporter list for specific goods.
Establishment Requirements
Approved establishments ensure that animal products comply with the stringent health and safety standards required for international trade. The EU, UK, and US each maintain their own lists of approved establishments that meet the necessary processing and export standards. In the EU and UK, animal products must come from facilities that are authorised to export to their respective regions, with establishments listed as meeting EU or UK health and safety standards. Similarly, the US requires that facilities be approved by the USDA or FDA, depending on the product type, ensuring they comply with US regulations.
High standards of food safety, public health and disease control.
All three regions require products to meet core conditions such as public health certifications, HACCP compliance, microbiological safety standards, and confirmation that products are free from animal diseases. Importers must verify that their suppliers are listed on the appropriate establishment lists in the EU, UK, or US to avoid potential delays, rejections, or destruction of consignments.
How Do Different Systems Help Manage Veterinary Export Certification?
There are several systems in place to help traders complete and manage veterinary export certificates. These systems ensure that goods comply with SPS controls, track their movement, and notify the relevant authorities of their importation or exportation. Let's explore some of the most important systems:
TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System): TRACES is a system used in the European Union to track consignments of animals and animal products. It ensures that exporters and importers comply with the relevant SPS regulations by notifying authorities of goods entering or leaving the EU. TRACES is also used to monitor health certifications, making it a key tool for ensuring that products meet the destination country’s health requirements.
IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System): In the UK, IPAFFS serves as the main system for notifying authorities about the importation of live animals, animal products, and certain foods. It allows the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to monitor the movement of goods and ensures compliance with UK veterinary health regulations. IPAFFS is also used to generate the required veterinary health certificates.
In the U.S., the system used to track and manage the importation of animals, animal products, and other regulated goods is called APIS (Automated Import Information System). The APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), manages this system. APIS ensures that imports of animals, animal products, plants, and other regulated items comply with U.S. laws regarding health and safety standards, providing a framework for submitting import declarations, monitoring shipments, and issuing import permits when required.
These systems streamline the process, reduce paperwork, and help ensure compliance, making it easier for traders to manage their exports efficiently.
What Common Mistakes Should Be Avoided When Completing Veterinary Health Certificates?
Completing veterinary export certificates is a detailed and precise process. Mistakes, however small, can lead to significant delays, rejections, or even the destruction of goods.
Below are some common mistakes traders should avoid:
Incorrect Information: One of the most common mistakes when completing veterinary certificates is providing incorrect or incomplete information. It’s essential to ensure that all fields are filled out accurately, including details about the origin, the nature of the goods, and any relevant certifications or approvals. This includes systems like TRACES in the EU, IPAFFS in the UK, and APIS in the U.S., which track consignments and require specific information for compliance with health regulations. Failing to provide accurate data in these systems can lead to delays and rejections.
Missing Signatures or Stamps: Veterinary certificates must be signed and stamped by an official veterinarian. A missing signature or stamp can result in the certificate being rejected, causing delays or refusals at the border. Whether you're using TRACES, IPAFFS, or APIS, these systems rely on the verification of health documentation to ensure compliance. Without the proper endorsements, your shipment could be delayed, returned, or even destroyed.
Failure to Meet Health Standards: It is crucial to ensure that your goods meet the specific health and safety requirements for the importing country. Failure to meet these requirements could result in the rejection of your consignment or a request for re-exportation. Always check that your products are free from harmful contaminants or diseases and comply with the required health regulations. This applies to all systems, including TRACES (EU), IPAFFS (UK), and APIS (U.S.), which monitor health certifications as part of the importation process.
Incomplete or Late Documentation Submission: Documentation must be submitted on time to avoid delays. Some systems, like TRACES and IPAFFS, require advance notification of goods being exported or imported. Make sure you are familiar with the submission deadlines for each system and always provide complete documentation. Incomplete or late submissions to these systems can lead to entry refusals, delays at the border, and additional administrative burdens.
Lack of Understanding of System Requirements: Each system, whether it’s TRACES, IPAFFS, or APIS, has its own set of requirements. Not understanding how these systems work can lead to incorrect submissions or missed notifications. Ensure you have a good understanding of the systems involved and the documentation required to prevent compliance issues. Familiarize yourself with the nuances of each system to avoid mistakes that could disrupt the smooth entry of your goods.
Conclusion
Completing veterinary export certificates is essential for food traders involved in the international movement of animal products. Understanding the requirements, using the right systems, and avoiding common mistakes are key to ensuring smooth trade operations. With the support of our expertise at Customs Manager Ltd, you can navigate this complex process with ease, ensuring that your goods comply with all necessary regulations and reach their destination without unnecessary delays.
If you're ready to master the process of completing veterinary certificates and streamline your export operations, book a training session with us today!
Completing EU, UK, and US veterinary health certificates can be tricky, but with the proper knowledge and tools, food traders can master these requirements. This post explains what Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls are, the role of official systems like TRACES, PEACH, and IPAFFS, and how to ensure successful importation and exportation of food and animal products.
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