Updates on Export Processes for Pets and Apiculture Products

HallMark Shares APHA Updates on Export Requirements for Pets to Australia and Honey Products to the EU

At HallMark Veterinary & Compliance Services, we are committed to keeping our clients and partners informed about regulatory updates that impact animal and food product exports. Recently, APHA released two essential briefing notes outlining new procedures for the export of pets to Australia and honey and apiculture products to the EU and Northern Ireland. Here’s a summary of these updates to help you stay compliant.

New Quarantine Process for Pet Exports to Australia

Effective 4 November 2024, a new agreement between the UK and Australia will reduce the quarantine period for pets arriving in Australia from the UK from 30 days to 10 days. This streamlined process aims to maintain robust rabies control while facilitating smoother export procedures.

Key elements of the new process include:

• OV66 Authorisation: For a pet to be eligible for the 10-day quarantine, it must be certified by veterinarians holding specific OV66 authorisation, granted to those with OCQ(V) – SX or OCQ(V) – CA qualifications.

• Dual Identity Checks: Two veterinarians from different practices must verify the pet’s identity and submit individual declarations to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) in Australia.

• Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT): This test is required alongside the ID check to meet Australia’s standards.

• Export Health Certification: Only OV66 authorised veterinarians are permitted to complete the health certifications for pets eligible for the reduced quarantine period.

Veterinarians interested in obtaining OV66 authorisation can apply through APHA’s formal process. For full details, view the official APHA briefing note: APHA Briefing Note 33/24 – Export of Dogs and Cats to Australia – New Process Agreed.

Registration Requirement for Honey and Apiculture Exports to the EU

Starting 29 November 2024, honey and apiculture products for human consumption that are exported to the EU or moved to Northern Ireland (via the red lane) must come from registered and listed establishments.

• Establishment Registration: Great Britain establishments producing honey or other apiculture products must be registered by their local authority under Regulation 852/2004.

• TRACES Listing: Only products from establishments listed in the TRACES system will be permitted in the EU and NI. Local authorities and exporters must ensure that establishment details are accurate and up to date.

• Deadline for List Accuracy: Local authorities and certifying officers should confirm that establishment details are correct by 31 October 2024 to prevent trade disruptions.

For further information on this requirement, refer to the APHA briefing note: APHA Briefing Note 35/24 – Requirement for Registered Establishment Lists for Honey and Apiculture Products.

Looking Ahead

These APHA updates emphasise the importance of compliance and adaptability in veterinary public health and food safety sectors. HallMark remains dedicated to supporting seamless and compliant export processes for the UK’s veterinary and food industries.

For further details, please reach out to HallMark Veterinary & Compliance Services, or consult the APHA official resources linked above.