New rules for exporting or moving composite food products now apply

Changes to rules for exporting or moving composite food products from Great Britain to Northern Ireland or the EU

As of 21 April 2021, five new Export Health Certificates (EHCs) and one private attestation can be used for exports of specific products of animal origin to the EU. This includes two new composite product EHCs and the private attestation document for products exempt from certification. The remaining new EHCs for live animals, germinal products and products of animal origin will be phased in over the coming months.

Read more about changes to the rules for movement of composite products from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and the EU.

Update on shelf-stable composite products containing dairy
The European Commission has confirmed it is amending the Animal Health Regulation (AHR) to allow businesses to use a private attestation to export shelf-stable composite products containing dairy (but no meat) that has not undergone UHT or sterilisation, so long as the dairy product originates and is processed in a third country listed for the export of dairy to the EU, such as Great Britain. As the changes were not in place on 21 April 2021 when the new Regulation was applied, the Commission has agreed an interim arrangement.

High-Risk Food Not of Animal Origin rule changes
Rules on High-Risk Food Not of Animal Origin were updated on 21 April 2021. There is now additional guidance on how to complete the Official Certificate for certain products moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland or the EU.

Frequently asked questions
Defra, in conjunction with DAERA have produced Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) documents on Animal Health Regulation and Composite Products for Traders and Certifiers.

First published 23 April 2021