The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has issued a reminder that new Animal Health Regulation (AHR) and composite rues took effect in the EU from the 21st April, 2021.
The AHR introduced new Export Health Certificates for germinal products, although transitional provisions in the legislation allow that these do not need to be introduced immediately.
The current EHCs remain valid until 20th August 2021, meaning that you will be able to export live animals, germinal products, and other products of animal origin using the existing EU EHCs. However, if your product does not currently require an EHC, but under the new rules will need one, you will need to use the new composite EHC from 21st April 2021. Additionally, composite products that are currently exempt from certification, but under the new rules will need a private attestation, will need to use this document from 21st April 2021. This phased approach is summarised here
For exports from 21st August, new AHR EHCs are required, and Defra will publish the new AHR EHCs and accompanying Notes for Guidance on gov.uk by the end of July.
Heat treatment of dairy
As currently drafted, the EU model document restricts the treatment of the dairy element of the product to UHT or sterilisation. In this respect, the European Commission (that in the meantime has agreed an interim arrangement) has confirmed it is amending the AHR.
Business will be allowed 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 GB. Useful Links
· The composite product decision tree will help you decide if your product is a composite and what documentation you need to use.
· Defra has also provided a link to the presentation from a webinar and the narrative, along with frequently asked questions and answers.
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Source: Gov.UK