Background
Historically, UK exporters did not need EHCs in order to export products of animal origin (POAO) to the EU. Of course, ‘Brexit’ changed all that. The UK is no longer part of the EU and thus considered by the 27 countries of the EU, to be a ‘third country’.
Most products of animal origin will now need an EHC to accompany them to enter the EU. This includes the Republic of Ireland. The Northern Ireland Protocol means that for the time being at least, Northern Ireland is also treated as an EU member state.
Although, not technically, part of the EU, some non-EU European countries, such as Switzerland and Iceland, are also treated as EU for the purposes of export, and EU format EHCs are used.
The Process
It would be fair to say, EU EHCs and exports can be more challenging than those further afield. The legislation is extensive, and at times not clear. The calibre of supporting evidence to facilitate the export is higher than for many non-EU countries. Attention to detail is everything in preparing for EU exports.
After you have applied for the EHC/s through the Government Gateway, the Official Veterinarian (OV) will seek supporting evidence for the export. Whilst the evidence required is fairly standardised, there is sometimes the requirement to seek further evidence/clarification for more complex or unusual products.
Ultimately it is up to the discretion of the certifying OV to determine what level of evidence they deem satisfactory in individual cases.
The consignment will need to be inspected prior to certification. Once the certifying OV is satisfied the consignment correlates with the supporting evidence, the EHC can be signed. The EHC is issued both in English, and the language of the Border Control Post (BCP) of entry. So, even if your product is destined for Germany, if it enters the EU in France, the second copy will be in French.
Common Health Entry Document (CHED)
Upon the EHC being issued by the OV, the exporter (often through an agent) must apply for the Common Health Entry Document (CHED) using a scanned copy. This must be done prior to the load arriving at the BCP…think of it as your ‘ticket’ for the queue. If you don’t have one, your load will be turned away! This can be applied for potentially up to 24 hours in advance of arrival of the shipment at the BCP, with some discretion to reduce this to 4 hours. We must also save a scanned copy of the EHC.
Take Note…
Not all BCPs accept all commodities – ask your assigned OV and/or your import agent if you are not sure.
We cannot sign an EHC once goods have left the UK
The physical EHC, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the individual BCP, must normally accompany the consignment. Occasionally, loads travelling by container ship, e.g. to Cyprus, may be permitted to travel independent of the EHC, however prior clarification with the BCP should always be sought.
Loads may be sealed or unsealed. As sealing forms part of the formal identification process, and can be added to the EHC, such loads are generally less susceptible to physical inspection, often making the process on the EU side quicker and smoother.
On arrival at the BCP, it is vital the EHC, commercial documents, and the physical consignment are perfectly matching. Any discrepancies can see the load rejected.
In Summary…
Whilst exporting to the EU has it’s challenges, once you are exporting a commodity regularly through a particular BCP, please be assured that the process gets easier, and can be quick, efficient and cost effective!