Model animal health certificates for aquatic animals

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/516 of 8 March 2023 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2236 as regards the model animal health certificate for the entry into the Union of consignments of aquatic animals intended for certain aquaculture establishments, for release into the wild or for other purposes, excluding direct human consumption

Update

The European Commission has amended the model animal health certificate for aquatic animals intended for aquaculture establishments; for release into the wild; or for other purposes, excluding direct human consumption

Impacted Products

aquatic animals

What is changing?

The model animal health certificate AQUA-ENTRY-ESTAB/RELEASE/OTHER has been amended so that clinical inspections before export can be carried out by authorised aquatic animal health professionals, instead of veterinarians ).

The new requirements for entry into the EU of consignments of aquatic animals intended for aquaculture establishments, for release into the wild, or for other purposes, excluding direct human consumption, are specified in point II.3.2. of the model animal health certificate presented in Annex II of Regulation 2023/516.

Why?

It was necessary to update the certificate now that authorised aquatic animal health professionals can carry out clinical inspections (Regulation 2023/119).

Timeline

Date of publication: 9 March 2023.

Date of application: 10 March 2023.

Transitional period until 15 September 2023.

What are the major implications for exporting countries?

Before export to the EU, clinical inspections on consignments of aquatic animals not for direct human consumption can be carried out by authorised aquatic animal health professionals instead of veterinarians, provided that the law of the exporting country authorises this.

Recommended Actions

Exporting countries or territories where aquatic animal health professionals are authorised to perform clinical inspections on consignments of aquatic animals may use this flexibility for exports to the EU. Other countries may consider authorising such inspections within their own laws.

Background

Regulation (EU) 2020/692 supplements the Animal Health Law (Regulation 2016/429) regarding the requirements for non-EU countries to be able to export animals and animal products to the EU.

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/119 amends Regulation 2020/692, permitting aquatic animal health professionals to perform clinical inspections on consignments of aquatic animals prior to export to the EU, provided they are authorised to do so under the law of the exporting country or territory (see Animal health requirements for third countries: Amendments).

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2236 sets out the model animal health certificates for the entry of consignments of aquatic animals and certain products of aquatic animal origin into the EU and their movements within the EU.

Sources

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