Updates to model animal/official health certificates for live animals and germinal products
Published by AGRINFO on ; Revised
EU updates model animal/official health certificates for consistent wording
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/351 of 17 January 2024 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/403 as regards model animal health certificates, model animal health/official certificates, model declarations and model official declarations for the entry into the Union of consignments of certain categories of terrestrial animals and germinal products thereof
Update
The EU has reviewed the consistency of the wording of official health certificates for live animals and germinal products (semen) exported to the EU.
Impacted Products
live terrestrial animals, germinal products (semen)
What is changing?
The EU has corrected and aligned the wording across different model animal health certificates, and with other recent Regulations.
These changes concern all official certificate models of Regulation 2021/403 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 (including 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
The new model certificates must be in use by 15 August 2024 at the latest. Live animals and germinal products with a certificate issued before 15 August will be able to enter the EU until 15 November 2024.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
It is essential to pay attention to the information provided in the certificates, and to use the latest versions of the certificates whenever the EU regulations are updated. Any error in filling in the certificate may result in the rejection of consignments at the EU border.
Recommended Actions
Exporters of live animals and germinal 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. Where possible, it is recommended to use the digital system TRACES as this reduces the chances of introducing errors.
Background
Consignments of animals and animal products from non-EU 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.
Sources
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/351 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
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