Table containing various food items

Exporting Food Products of Animal Origin and Animal By Products to GB for later onward export to EU/NI from GB (SHA Online)

Exports of Products of Animal Origin (POAO) and Animal By-Products (ABP) from GB to the EU, including product moved from GB to NI, require an Export Health Certificate (EHC) from GB to demonstrate compliance with EU import requirements. EHCs are not required for POAO from NI to enter GB.

Where POAO originating in NI is intended for further export from GB to the EU, or movement back to NI, then  NI to GB movements of POAO may require a Support Health Attestation (SHA) or in some cases a Support Attestation (SA). These provide the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) assurances for completion of the final EHC in GB for entry to the EU.  SHAs or SAs should be provided only where there is a request from GB importers for such support for their certifying officers, to facilitate onward exports from GB to EU/NI.

How do I apply for a Support Health Attestation?

 Follow this link to obtain an SHA via DAERA’s online SHA application process

SHA Online - Apply for a Support Health Attestation | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk)

You will also find advice, answers to ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ and attestation templates to help you make your application there.

FAQ Movement of Product of Animal Origin (POAO) to and from GB and for onward export V2 | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk)

Applications should be made at least 2 working days in advance of the date of loading of your consignment from the NI establishment of dispatch.

For further queries, please contact as follows:

  • Establishments regulated by DAERA
    DAERA processes SHA applications from these establishments.
    For queries relating to these applications, please contact your local DAERA Direct Office.
    DAERA Direct Regional offices | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk)
  • Animal By-Products, Hides/Skins, Dairy Products, Meat Preparations, Meat Products and Composite Products
    Northern Ireland authorised Private Veterinary Practitioners (aPVP) (previously referred to as AVIs) process SHA applications for these commodities.
    For queries relating to these applications, please contact your nominated aPVP Provider. All exporters must contact the PVP directly to ensure that the aPVP is authorised to do this work.
    See link to contacts for aPVPs:
    Northern Ireland Veterinary Practices listed for aPVP's | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk)
  • Sea Fish, Fish and Seafood Products (e.g. Oysters)
    Local Authority Environmental Health Officers process SHA applications for these commodities.
    For queries relating to these applications, please contact your Local Authority Council Office Local councils | nidirect
  • The Department of Environment, Food and Rural affairs (DEFRA) have confirmed an extension to a grant system to support traders who face extra costs to move product to NI until 2025. This includes NI Food Business Operators who require SHAs to send their product to GB (eg for further processing) before returning to NI. NI Food Business Operators must still pay their aPVP for certification services for a SHA but the UK Government will allow those businesses to reclaim up to £150 excluding VAT.
    To make a claim for these costs, an invoice must be sent by email to  MAS_SAinvoices@apha.gov.uk.
    For further information, please see this APHA webpage.
  • For all other queries, please contact: TradeExports@daera-ni.gov.uk

Select this link for guidance on Certification Schemes:
UK Certification Schemes | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk)

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