A Guide to UK Health Product Certifications

Navigating the world of international trade can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to meeting health and safety compliance standards. For traders exporting goods from the UK, the Export Health Certificate (EHC) plays a vital role in ensuring that food and agricultural products meet the strict requirements of importing countries. 

Whether you’re dealing with products of animal origin, composite foods, or plant-based goods, securing the proper certifications is essential to avoid delays, rejections, or costly penalties.

Let’s imagine a scenario: a food producer in Great Britain is exporting a shipment of cheese to a non-EU country. Without an EHC issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV), the shipment risks being held at customs indefinitely or even turned away entirely, resulting in financial loss and supply chain disruption. 

Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated issue – businesses of all sizes can find themselves entangled in red tape if they don’t fully understand the certification process.

In this guide, we’ll demystify UK health product certifications, with a particular focus on the Export Health Certificate. From its purpose and use, to the step-by-step process of obtaining one, we’ll provide the insights and tools you need to streamline operations and remain compliant.

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What Is an Export Health Certificate?

An Export Health Certificate (EHC) is an official document that certifies products meet the health requirements of the destination country. It is a critical piece of export documentation required for products such as:

• Animal products: Meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and other goods of animal origin.
• Composite foods: Food products containing a mix of animal and plant-based ingredients.
• Certain plant-based goods: Goods that may pose biosecurity risks, requiring inspection by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Essentially, the EHC serves as proof that your product complies with the relevant health, safety, and hygiene standards of the importing country. 

Issued by competent authorities like local authorities, the Food Standards Agency (FSA), or the Animal and Plant Health Agency, these certificates are indispensable for traders operating in regulated sectors like agriculture, food, and plant health.

How, When, & Why It’s Used

An Export Health Certificate is used in international trade to facilitate the export of goods that fall under strict health requirements. 

These requirements vary based on the type of product, its destination, and the importing country’s regulations. Here’s when an EHC might be necessary:

• Exporting food of animal origin to non-EU countries like the US or China.
• Sending plant-based goods like seeds or fresh produce, which require certification to ensure they’re free from pests or diseases.
• Shipping composite foods (such as ready meals) containing ingredients of animal origin, which need both health and hygiene compliance certificates.

EHCs are typically signed off by an Official Veterinarian (OV) or an authorised inspector, who verifies that the goods meet the destination country’s requirements. Without this certification, goods may be delayed or rejected at customs, leading to financial loss and reputational damage.

Step-by-Step: The UK Health Certification Process

For traders exporting goods that require health certification, the process can be broken down into several manageable steps:

1. Check If You Need an EHC: Verify whether your product falls under regulated categories such as animal products, composite foods, or high-risk plant products. The UK government provides a searchable database to check EHC requirements for different commodities.
2. Apply for the Certificate: Log in to the UK’s Export Health Certificate Online (EHCO) platform or contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Be prepared to provide details such as:

• Product descriptions
• Country of origin and destination
• Production, packaging, and batch numbers

1. Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather and submit all relevant documentation, which may include:

• Product specifications and safety data sheets
• Import permits from the destination country
• Food safety certificates from local authorities

1. Arrange Inspection by an Official Veterinarian: Schedule an inspection with an OV or authorised officer, who will assess the goods’ compliance with health requirements.
2. Certificate Issuance: Once the goods pass inspection, the EHC will be signed and stamped by the certifying authority. Ensure the original certificate accompanies your shipment to avoid issues at customs.
3. Customs Clearance: Present the EHC and accompanying documents during customs compliance checks in the destination country. Ensure everything aligns with relevant legislation to expedite clearance.

NOTE: The certification process can vary depending on the type of product, destination country, and mode of transport, so it’s important to plan ahead and seek expert trade consultancy if needed.

Other Documents & Legislation Traders Need To Know About

To successfully export regulated goods, traders must provide the necessary documentation and comply with UK and international legislation. Commonly required documents include:

• Export Health Certificate (EHC): The cornerstone of the health certification process.
• Import Permits: Some products, such as live animals or high-risk goods, require specific permits from the importing country.
• Food Safety Certificates: Issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), these certify that your goods meet hygiene and safety standards.
• Plant Health Certification: For plant-based goods, certification from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) ensures compliance with biosecurity measures.
• Customs Documentation: Required shipping documents may include invoices, bills of lading, and commodity codes for customs declarations.

Some legislation to be aware of includes the Animal Health Act 1981, the Plant Health (England) Order 2015, and relevant statutory instruments that govern trade in regulated goods.

How To Streamline Your Operations

Managing the health certification process can be complex; but with the right strategies, you can save time and resources while ensuring compliance:

1. Partner with an Independent Trade Consultant: A trade consultant can help you navigate the EHC process, manage documentation, and ensure compliance with both UK and international regulations.
2. Leverage Technology: Use the UK’s EHCO platform to streamline applications and track the progress of your EHC in real time.
3. Invest in Training: Equip your team with knowledge of export regulations, documentation requirements, and trade compliance through targeted training programs.
4. Plan Ahead: Begin the certification process early, especially for complex shipments, and monitor changes in trade regulations to stay ahead of potential challenges.

With clearBorder’s expertise, traders can avoid costly mistakes, minimise delays, and focus on growing their business in global markets. Contact us today to learn more about our consultancy services.

Do I Need an Export Health Certificate?

If your business involves exporting goods that fall under the UK’s strict health and safety regulations, you will likely need an Export Health Certificate. This document ensures your goods meet the health requirements of the destination country, protecting public safety and facilitating smooth trade operations.

Key Takeaways:

• An EHC is required for animal products, composite foods, and certain plant-based goods.
• It must be issued and signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) or authorised personnel.
• Supporting documents, such as import permits and food safety certificates, are often necessary.
• Non-compliance can result in delays, penalties, or rejected shipments.

Here at clearBorder, we specialise in helping traders navigate the complexities of export health certification, export control compliance, and customs compliance. Whether you’re exporting animal products, plant-based goods, or composite foods, we can provide tailored solutions to ensure your shipments meet all the necessary requirements.

Ready to simplify your export operations? Book a free consultation and discover how we can support your business in achieving seamless and efficient cross-border trade.