A Simple Guide to Animals Product Export Certifications

Exporting animal products is a complex and highly-regulated process, requiring certifications to ensure products are safe, healthy, and meet the standards of importing countries. Obtaining the necessary certifications is crucial for businesses looking to sustain and grow their operations internationally.

According to the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), “importing countries or regions require that [animal-related] goods traded with them are safe in order to protect public health and animal health. This safety is generally assured by requiring an Export Health Certificate (EHC) issued by, or on behalf of, the government of the exporting country.” (Export Health Certification for Products of Animal Origin Away from the Premises of Origin).

Certifications must be issued by a government-appointed veterinarian and comply with the guidelines set by organisations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the European Union (EU).

The certification process can vary depending on the type of animal product being exported, including live animals, meat, dairy, seafood, pets, wildlife, poultry, and livestock. The certifications must be accompanied by a health certificate that attests to the product’s compliance with the animal welfare and health standards in the importing country.

At clearBorder, we designed specialist training courses such as the Border Ready Food and Animal Products Course to make this easy. Our courses equip your team with the skills and knowledge needed to maintain profitable and sustainable export operations. Alternatively, you may be interested in our animals product export certification consultancy services, which provide advice uniquely tailored to your business and its goals.

What are Animals Product Export Certifications and Why are They Used?

Animal product export certifications are official documents that confirm that products meet the health, safety, and welfare standards of the importing country. These certifications are required by governments around the world to ensure that animal products are safe for human consumption and meet local regulations.

The primary purpose of animal product export certifications is to protect animal health and welfare, and to prevent the spread of diseases across borders. DEFRA states that “certification is an essential part of international trade in animals and animal products, and it helps to ensure that products meet the importing country’s requirements.”

In the UK, the export certification process is overseen by the government and requires the involvement of a government-appointed veterinarian. The veterinarian inspects the animal products and issues certifications.

According to AHDB (Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board), annual UK exports of livestock alone exceed 580,000 tonnes, worth over £1.3 billion (AHDB), with the majority of shipments going to countries in the EU. Additionally, many of the UK’s other export food products originate from animals. This highlights the importance of understanding the correct certifications.

How are Certifications Obtained? Do Animal Products Represent Risk?

Relevant certification is often required for POAO (Products of Animal Origin). To obtain animal product export certifications, a business must first determine the specific requirements of the importing country. This can include a range of certifications, such as the Export Health Certificate (EHC), issued by DEFRA on behalf of the UK government, or certifications issued by international organisations like the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) or the European Union (EU).

Applying for an EHC

To apply for an EHC, a business must first select a government-appointed veterinarian to inspect the animal products. The veterinarian will then issue the EHC, which attests to the product’s compliance with the animal welfare and health standards of the importing country.

The following steps outline the process of applying for an EHC:

1. Determine the specific requirements of the importing country
2. Select a government-appointed veterinarian
3. Schedule an inspection with the veterinarian
4. The veterinarian inspects the animal products and issues the EHC
5. Submit the EHC to DEFRA for endorsement
6. DEFRA endorses the EHC and forwards it to the relevant authorities in the importing country

It is important to note that the EHC must be obtained prior to shipment, as it is required for entry into the importing country.

What Are Some Other or New Certifications You May Need?

In addition to an EHC, there are several further types of animal product export certifications that a business may need to obtain – this depends on the type of product being exported and the requirements of the importing country. Three of the most common certifications include:

• Certificate of Origin: This certificate verifies the origin of the product. A Certificate of Origin is often required by importing countries to ensure that the product meets their trade and customs requirements.
• Animal Welfare Export Certificate: This certificate confirms that the animal products were produced in accordance with the animal welfare standards set by the exporting country.
• Health Marking Certificate: This certificate verifies that the animal products have been marked in accordance with the health marking requirements of the importing country.

Understand Product Characteristics: Finding and Using Certifications

To find the specific requirements for animal product export certifications, you can start by reviewing the guidelines set by organisations such as the OIE or EU. Additionally, businesses can contact the relevant authorities in the importing country, such as the USDA, FDA, or APHIS in the US, for information on the required certifications.

Using the correct animal product export certifications is crucial for successful international trade in animal products. The certifications must be accompanied by a health certificate that attests to the product’s compliance with the animal welfare and health standards of the importing country. Failure to obtain the necessary certifications can result in rejection of the shipment and damage to the business’s reputation.

To avoid this unwelcome scenario, businesses are recommended to seek specialist and independent trade consultancy services. Contact our team for more information.

The Benefits of Obtaining Animals Product Export Certifications

Obtaining the necessary animals product export certifications enables businesses to trade internationally, helping to grow operations and increase ROI.

Ultimately, animal product export certifications are an essential part of international trade in animal products, providing businesses with the necessary certification to expand into new markets, increase credibility, and comply with regulations.

By obtaining the correct certifications, businesses can ensure that their products are safe and meet the standards of importing countries, protecting both public health and animal health.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Occasionally, exporters may make errors in the obtaining or processing of required export certificates. While a mistake may not be a malicious attempt to mislead or deceive the relevant authorities, it is nonetheless considered a serious violation of responsibility and will be punishable as such.

To avoid seizure of goods, suspension of operations, damage to reputation, or even imprisonment, be aware of the most common mistakes exporters tend to make.

• Not securing the proper certification: Before exporting any animal product, it is imperative to secure the necessary certification from the relevant government agencies. Neglecting to do so can result in the shipment being stopped at customs or even rejected, causing significant delays and financial losses.
• Incorrect documentation: Careless errors or inaccuracies in the documentation can result in the shipment being delayed or rejected. Make sure to double-check all information, including the species and quantity of the products, the origin, and the destination of the shipment.
• Improper packaging: Improper packaging of animal products can lead to contamination and render the shipment unfit for consumption. Make sure to follow strict guidelines on packaging, labelling, and storage of animal products to avoid costly mistakes.
• Lack of understanding of import regulations: Different countries have different regulations regarding the import of animal products, and ignorance of these regulations can result in the shipment being rejected or subject to fines. It is crucial to research the regulations of the destination country before exporting any animal products.
• Neglecting to secure an insurance policy: Shipping animal products can be risky, and it is important to secure insurance to protect against any potential losses or damages. Neglecting to do so can result in significant financial losses in case of any issues during transportation.

Advanced Skills For Exporting Animal Products

Securing the correct export health certificates for animal-related products is crucial for international trade. Failure to obtain the necessary certifications can result in costly delays, penalties, and/or the rejection of shipments.

The government and relevant agencies, such as DEFRA, USDA and OIE play a key role in overseeing and enforcing the guidelines and requirements for export certification programs.

Note that obtaining an export certification involves a rigorous process, which includes inspections by a veterinarian and the assessment of animal welfare and health. This process is in place to ensure that the following are safe for consumption and meet international health standards:

• Live animals
• Meat
• Dairy
• Seafood
• Pets
• Wildlife
• Poultry,
• Livestock

By engaging clearBorder’s bespoke consultancy services, businesses can optimise their operations for success and stay compliant with the latest guidelines; ultimately, benefiting their bottom line and maintaining the integrity of the animal products industry.

Get in touch now to book a free consultation with our industry experts and discuss your needs.