Completing EU, UK and U.S. Veterinary Export Certificates: A 2025 Guide for Food Traders
Completing veterinary health certificates is achievinga crucial step for food traders dealing with international trade. The requirements for completing these certificates can often feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and understanding, the process can become much smoother. In this blog, we will focus on the importance of completing veterinary export certificates correctly and guide you through the systems and procedures involved in ensuring your products meet the necessary standards for importation and exportation. I will answer the following three questions:
What are SPS Controls in the EU, UK and U.S.?
What are veterinary export certificates, and why are they necessary?
Export Health Certificates: What are the EU, UK, and US Requirements in a nutshell?
How do different systems help manage veterinary export certification?
What common mistakes should be avoided when completing veterinary health certificates?
Let’s dive into these questions and answer them thoroughly to help you navigate the complexities of veterinary export certification.
What are SPS Controls in the EU, UK and U.S?
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures protect human, animal, and plant health. These measures are designed to prevent the spread of diseases, pests, and contaminants across borders. The EU, UK, and US all have their own SPS controls that exporters and importers must comply with to ensure that food and animal products meet health standards.
EU Official Controls
In the EU, Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 outlines the official controls that ensure compliance with food law, animal health, and welfare standards. This regulation applies to goods imported from non-EU countries, focusing on protecting animal and plant health. It establishes the procedures and requirements for inspections, certification, and monitoring to guarantee that imported goods meet the EU's high health standards. These controls are crucial for preventing the spread of diseases, pests, and contaminants that could pose risks to public health, agriculture, and the environment.
UK Veterinary Controls
In the UK, the framework for veterinary controls is governed by the Official Controls (Animals, Feed and Food, Plant Health Fees etc.) Regulations 2019. These regulations mirror the EU’s approach to ensuring that food and animal products entering or leaving the UK comply with the necessary health and safety standards. They regulate the import and export of live animals, animal products, and high-risk food items, aiming to prevent the entry of animal diseases and pests. The regulations provide a clear structure for maintaining food safety and animal health, requiring stringent inspections and certifications to support public health protection and trade facilitation.
U.S. Veterinary Controls
In the United States, veterinary controls are primarily governed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other relevant authorities, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The USDA oversees the exportation of animal products, including meat, poultry, and dairy, ensuring that these products comply with the health and safety standards of the importing countries. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) plays a key role in safeguarding animal health, issuing veterinary certificates and conducting inspections to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. These controls are essential for maintaining the integrity of the U.S. export market and ensuring that exports meet international health requirements.
How We Can Help
At Customs Manager Ltd, we understand that completing veterinary export certificates can be a complex process, but we are here to help. We offer:
Training on SPS Import & Export Controls: Learn the ins and outs of SPS regulations, export health certificates, and how to use systems like TRACES and IPAFFS.
Step-by-Step Guides: Get access to easy-to-follow guides on how to complete health certificates and navigate the export process.
Consultancy and Support: Our experts can help ensure your documentation is accurate and compliant with all relevant regulations.
By working with us, you can ensure that your veterinary health certificates are completed correctly, reducing the risk of delays and complications during export. Read this blog to find out more about our services.