Animal products & Animal by-products exports
The requirements for exporting Animal products and Animal by Products (ABP) vary depending on the category/type of product/ABP and where are you are exporting it to. When you have determined what (if any) certification is required you can find details on how to apply for the required export certificates below.
Before you start
Exports to European Union (EU) Member States (excluding manure to the ROI)
Please note that if you are intending to export Category 1 or 2 Animal By Products you must obtain written approval from the importing EU Member State before you begin the export process.
If you need an Intra Trade Animal Health Certificate (ITAHC) to export your animal product/ABP to an EU Member State you should make your application for an Intra Trade Animal Health Certificate ITAHC via completing the TRACES Application Form and submitting it to your Authorised Private Veterinary Practitioner (aPVP) and they will progress this export for you.
Exporting manure to the ROI
The type of health certificate required for the export depends on which species the manure is derived from. Further information on these and the other processes you must follow are available at the link below:
If you need an Export Health Certificate (EHC) to export your animal product/ABP you should identify which EHC is required and review the associated guidance at this page: EHC applications for manure to the ROI
Prior to starting your application on the DAERA Export Certification System (DECS) you will need to know the number of the EHC you require for the export and have completed any supporting documents ready for upload.
Exporting to Third Countries
Whilst official certification of Animal By Products is usually issued by aPVPs in NI, some third countries require official certification to be issued by a DAERA vet or a DAERA vet to countersign an Export Health Certificate (EHC) which has been part completed by an aPVP.
Further information about this can be found at the links below:
- Link to DAERA Stakeholder Bulletin 01/24
- Link to APVP Guidance Support Certification Process: Animal Products where the EHC must be signed by a Government employed Certifying Officer
In order to begin your application on the DAERA Export Certification System (DECS) you will need to know the number of the EHC you require for the export and to ensure that you have any supporting documents ready for upload.
You can obtain the number of the EHC application and review the associated Notes for Guidance on the Defra form finder
Guidance on using DECS is available in the exporter’s instructions at the link below:
If there is insufficient space on the EHC application to record full product details you will need to complete a schedule and submit this with your application. The schedule and instructions for completion are available using the link below:
Exporters should review the Notes for Guidance for each certificate (available via the DEFRA Form Finder) to ascertain if import permits or importing authority approvals are also required. Where they are these should be obtained from the importing authorities prior to applying for an EHC and uploaded along with all other supporting documents via DECS.
Some exports require Exporter Declarations which should be uploaded as supporting documentation during the online DECS application process. This includes the following:
- Exporters Declaration EHC8108 Porcine and Bovine Gelatin to USA.
- Exporters Declaration EHC5716 Animal material for In-Vitro or lab use only to USA
Exporting via TRACES - Changes from January 01 2021
Prior to 01 January 2021, if you were exporting certain commodities to Chile and Canada, certification was applied for using a form from TRACES which was then uploaded to DECS.
Post 01 January 2021, the use of TRACES harmonised EHCs is no longer available to UK exporters. Alternative arrangements for certification have either been put in place or are in progress through discussions with the countries involved.
Exporters are advised to check DEFRA Form Finder for the availability of the EHCs for their commodities. In the event that an EHC is not currently available please contact vs.implementation@daera-ni.gov.uk.