Discover the EU's veterinary import controls for live animals and animal products, ensuring health and safety in international trade.
Questions we will answer in this blog:
What is a Veterinary Border?
What are the Official Controls of the EU?
When are NO checks required?
What are Border Control Posts (BCPs)?
What is TRACES?
Introduction
Stringent import regulations are essential for protecting public health and ensuring the safety of food and animal products entering the European Union. These regulations aim to prevent disease transmission and guarantee that imported goods adhere to the same high standards as those produced within the EU. A key component of these regulations is the Veterinary Border. This checkpoint confirms the safety and compliance of live animals and products of animal origin (POAO) prior to their entry into the Union.
What is a Veterinary Border?
A Veterinary Border is a key checkpoint for ensuring that live animals and animal products meet the specific import conditions laid down by EU legislation. It is an essential part of the EU's effort to maintain high standards in food safety, animal health, and consumer protection. Veterinary Border Control Posts (BCPs) are designated areas where live animals and animal products undergo checks to verify compliance with EU regulations. These posts are equipped to carry out the necessary inspections to ensure the health and safety of the animals and products being imported.
What are the Official Controls of the EU?
The European Union is one of the world's largest importers of food and feed, and the regulations governing these imports are stringent. With a primary focus on food hygiene, consumer safety, and animal health status, the EU ensures that all imported products meet the same rigorous standards required of domestically produced goods. Import controls are crucial for verifying that food and feed products comply with legal requirements.
While the import control process varies depending on the sector, specific categories of products are subject to mandatory checks upon arrival. These include live animals, products of animal origin, and plant-based products. The risks posed by these commodities—such as the transmission of animal and plant diseases—make them subject to rigorous controls to protect public health and agriculture.