Updates to model animal/official health certificates for exports to the EU
Published by AGRINFO on
EU updates the model animal/official health certificates for consistent wording
Draft Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/403 as regards model animal health certificates, model animal health/official certificates, model declarations and official declarations for the entry into the Union of consignments of certain categories of terrestrial animals and germinal products thereof
Draft Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2235 as regards model animal health certificates, model official certificates, model animal health/official certificates and private attestation, for the entry into the Union or transit though the Union of consignments of certain categories of animals and goods, and official certification regarding such certificates
Update
The EU is reviewing the consistency of the wording of official health certificates for live animals and animal products exported to the EU.
Impacted Products
live terrestrial animals, germinal products, animal products, composite products, live fish
What is changing?
The EU aims to correct and ensure alignment of the wording between the different model animal health certificates, and with other recent Regulations.
These changes concern all official certificate models of Regulations 2021/403 and 2020/2235 for exports to the EU.
Why?
Some inconsistencies have been noted in recently published legislation concerning model animal health/official certificates. The EU is correcting this to ensure alignment of the wording between the various model certificates, as well as between these certificates and other recently updated Regulations (such as Regulation 2022/2292 on Public health requirements for exporting live animals, and the amendments to Regulation 2020/692 on Animal health requirements for third countries exporting to the EU).
Timeline
After publication, use of the “old certificate” will be authorised until:
- 15 September 2024 for Regulation 2020/2235
- 15 October 2024 for Regulation 2021/403.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
Any error in filling in the certificate may result in the rejection of consignments at the EU border. It is essential to pay attention to the information provided in the certificates, and to adapt the certificates whenever the EU regulations are updated.
Recommended Actions
Exporters of live animals and animal products to the EU should use the updated model official certificates as soon as possible after the Regulations are published, to ensure a smooth transition to the new model before the end of the transitional period and to avoid any rejections.
Background
Consignments of animals and animal products from third countries to the EU must be accompanied by an official health certificate. This certificate contains all the relevant information on the consignment so that it can be exported to the EU.
Model certificates and attestations are laid down as follows:
- Live terrestrial animals and germinal products: Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/403
- Animal products, composite products and live fish: Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2235
- Aquaculture: Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2236.
For more detail see EU official health certificates for exports to the EU – explained.
Resources
Sources
Draft Regulation amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/403
Draft Regulation amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2235