Update on Export Health Certificates for Petfood and ABPs to the EU

Understanding BSE Health Guarantees for Petfood and ABPs

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has issued new guidance for Official Veterinarians (OVs) and exporters on certifying pet food and animal by-products for the EU market. This update focuses on the correct grouping of products based on Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) health guarantees for Export Health Certificate (EHC) purposes.

Background: Diverse BSE-Related Requirements

Export Health Certificates (EHCs) for petfood and ABPs destined for petfood manufacturing encompass varying Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)-related requirements, contingent upon the animal products being certified. These categories include:

• Bovine, ovine, or caprine animals

• Ruminants other than bovine, ovine, or caprine animals

• Non-ruminant animals

EU BCPs have mandated that consignments containing petfood or ABPs for petfood production, requiring distinct BSE health guarantees, be accompanied by separate EHCs.

Key Action Points for OVs and Exporters

• Unified BSE Health Guarantees: Products can only be certified on the same EHC if they meet identical BSE health guarantees. This ensures that all items within a consignment adhere to the specific BSE-related requirements set by the EU. For instance, products from bovine (e.g., beef) and ovine (e.g., lamb) animals, both ruminants, share similar BSE-related requirements and can thus be grouped under the same EHC.

• Distinct Guarantees: Conversely, a consignment cannot mix products with different BSE guarantees (e.g., ruminant beef with non-ruminant chicken) on the same EHC due to their differing BSE-related health standards.

• Seek Clarification: Exporters seeking further clarification regarding the grouping of products under the same EHC are encouraged to contact the entry BCP in the EU directly. This proactive approach will help address any uncertainties and ensure compliance with EU import regulations.

APHA's Commitment to Support

APHA's Centre for International Trade – Carlisle remains available to assist OVs and exporters with any queries related to the certification process and BSE health guarantees. This support underscores APHA's dedication to facilitating smooth and compliant trade operations for UK exporters.

For additional information or assistance, please reach out to APHA’s Centre for International Trade – Carlisle at exports@apha.gov.uk or by phone at 03000 300 201.

Conclusion

This update from APHA is part of ongoing efforts to streamline the export process to the EU, ensuring that all pet food and ABPs meet the required health standards. By adhering to these guidelines, OVs and exporters can contribute to maintaining the high level of trust and safety in the products traded between the UK and the EU. HallMark Veterinary & Compliance Services is committed to supporting our clients through these changes, ensuring clarity and compliance in all export activities.

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