Export Health Certificates (EHCs) for Live Animals

31st August 2023

As you will be aware, the final Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) was published on 29 August 2023, setting out the timeline for a new border control regime for the import of SPS goods from all third countries into Great Britain (GB).

The BTOM includes a commitment to streamline the format and content of the Export Health Certificates (EHCs) for Live Animals, and Animal Products imported into GB.

• The new model certificates do not change the requirements for importing live animal, and animal products into GB. The EHCs will be shorter and more logical in their format, with guidance about attestations moved to an annex to the certificate.

• We have already published streamlined certificates for Products of Animal Origin (POAO) and Animal By-Products (ABP). These can be accessed via Gov.uk.

• The new EHCs for Live Animals, and germinal products have now been published on Gov.uk.

• Imports of live animals and germinal products already require health certification. These imports will need to use the new streamlined certificates from 30 April 2024.

• Trading partners are free to adopt the new model EHCs as soon as is practical for them.

Defra will be running a series of training sessions to prepare traders for the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) import controls (certification and border checks) within the new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).