The EHC An EHC is an official certificate that proves that the information provided on the consignment is correct and the consignment is in compliance with EU regulations and health standards.
Beginning on January 1, 2021 EHCs became mandatory for every export shipment from Scotland towards the EU which contain Products of Animal Origin (POAO) or composite food products (products that are intended for consumption by humans only, which include an assortment of processed goods that are animal-based (POAO) or plant products used as a primary ingredient i.e not used to flavour or process).
Businesses that move products of plant or animal origin that are intended for human consumption to GB in the UK to Northern Ireland, are required to supply their Export Health Certificate on goods transport. Imports of products from animal origin will require pre-notification of import via TRACES, and there will be physical inspections upon arrival at delivery. There are a few easements regarding the requirements for selling the products to chains of supermarkets and future updates to be issued regarding the future application for this easement.
Learn more about GOV.UK.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is the agency accountable for the issuance of EHCs.
Businesses must sign up and apply for an export certificate in order to export to and from Scotland into Northern Ireland and the EU as well as Northern Ireland using the online service. Businesses must have an Government Gateway account and a Defra account prior to applying. If you don’t have these accounts they will be provided to create them when you sign up for this service your first time.
The business can search for the proper EHC and the documents necessary in order to export live animals or animal product through searching for the most recent version of these certificates at the APHA website.
Companies will need to find an accredited professional sign off on their EHC. Exporters who are new to the market will need to find a certified person and obtain their services prior to applying for their EHC application. There is a current list of professionals who are approved on GOV.UK.
There is a guideline to be found:
Guidelines on Food Business Operators on EHC
Webinar tutorial recorded regarding EHCs specifically for Food Business Operator
Webinar recorded on EHC issues by Seafood Scotland
Assistance with getting EHCs in Scotland can be obtained by contact your local authority’s Environmental Health Department. Note that while these contacts are monitored during the holiday time, there could be delay in responding to queries.
Additional assistance regarding EHC is accessible to Scottish businesses through Food Standards Scotland.
EHC Checklist
Visit Defra’s formfinder and determine if the item conforms to the requirements for export. If not the exporter must contact their certification agency.
Apply to get the EHC Online account
Once you’ve registered and are logged in you can look up the EHC you require via GOV.UK form searcher
It is the duty of the exporter to get their application approved. They must ensure that the Certifying Official (CO) they intend to employ is registered with EHC Online; you cannot utilize them if they’re not registered.
Fill out your EHC application through EHC Online
Review and verify the notes to make sure that the items being shipped are in compliance with the specifications of the country where the product is to be shipped.
Check your shipment and have it approved by your CO
Check that your verified EHC is transported with your export consignment
Menu