News

New Export Health Certificates and requirements for horses travelling to Europe

Monday, 23 August 2021

The application of the new certificates, scheduled for 21 August 2021, has been delayed by the EU until 15 January 2022.

Until that date it is permitted to use either the current OR the new certificates

If you choose to use the new certificates, please find a summary of the changes below (which now apply from 15 January 2022), the main one being that you will need to apply for a registration number for your departure premises.

The changes mean that:

• There is no temporary export certificate any longer: New certificates cover Entry into the EU (cert 8431), Transit through the EU (cert 8432) and Re-entry into the EU following cultural and sporting events following a stay in the UK for no more than 30 days (cert 8433) - find your certificate here by typing the certificate number in the search box.
• Horses must have been resident in the UK for 40 days prior to transport to the EU of which the last 30 days must have been on the establishment they are departing from and under veterinary supervision, of which the last 15 days must have been avoiding contact with horses of a lower health status.
• Horses are no longer required to be blood tested for Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA). Blood tests for Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) can be carried out within 90 days of departure
• Premises from which horses depart must have a CPH (County Parish Holding) number. Apply using form IRA86 and follow the guidance on the form. If you have more than one premises, each one will need a separate number. If a premises/establishment is already registered, and you know the CPH number, there is no need to re-register.
• Equine keepers in Wales should register for a CPH through Manage My CPH on RPW Online www.gov.wales/rural-payments-wales-rpw-online

British Equestrian’s recommendation remains that you use an established and experienced professional shipper to help you with the requirements and documentation needed for your move, the details of which are constantly changing. For further details see Defra’s showcase site for full information or email us.

Delay on date for using AHR EHCs – further information

The EU has confirmed a delay to when traders must start to use the new Export Health Certificates (EHCs).

The new Animal Health Regulation (AHR) EHCs were due to be used from 21 August 2021 for goods moved to Northern Ireland or exported to the EU. However, the EU has confirmed a delay to the date the new EHCs must be signed until 15 January 2022. This includes EHCs for all products of animal origin, live animals, germinal products and composite products.

We know that businesses have been working hard to get ready for the new EHCs on 21 August 2021. Both the existing and the new AHR EHCs are available on EHC online and traders can decide which EHCs they wish to use. The EU will be amending some of the new AHR EHCs and a small number of these, where changes are significant, will be removed from EHC Online until the certificate is updated. We will inform you shortly about which EHCs this will include.

The EU’s proposal will mean that current EHCs signed before 15 January 2022 can be used until 15 March 2022 for goods on route to the EU. Changes to the rules for the certification of composite products which took effect in April 2021 continue to apply.

Why has the date for using the new EHCs been pushed back?

The decision to delay was made by the EU. We understand that the request came from EU member states and other third countries. The UK did not make a formal request to delay the implementation of the new regulations. In GB we were ready for the 21 August 2021 and we know that businesses have been working hard to ensure they were prepared to use the new EHCs.

Which EHCs should I use?

Existing EHCs and the new AHR EHCs are both available for you to use on EHC online. We would encourage you to begin the process of moving towards using the new EHCs in a manner and time suitable to your business but in readiness for full switchover from 15 Jan 2022.

The EU will be amending some of the new AHR EHCs and a small number of these, where the changes are significant, will be removed from EHC Online until the certificate is updated with new information to be provided by the EU. We will inform you shortly about which EHCs this will include.

I’ve already started using the new AHR EHCs, are they still valid?

Yes, the new AHR EHC you are using is still valid. Both the existing EHCs and the new AHR EHCs are available to use on EHC online. A small number of the new certificates will be removed from EHC Online until the amended versions are available from the EU. We will advise you which certificates will be removed and provide notice of their removal.

Will this cause any problems at Border Control Posts?

Border Control Posts (BCPs) are aware that exporters may use either the existing or new AHR EHCs so there should not be problems at BCPs. However, we will be monitoring the situation and working with the EU and BCPs to ensure that there is a continued smooth export of goods at BCPs using both the existing and new AHR EHCs.

Does this include the new composite EHCs?

Changes to the rules for the certification of composite products which took effect in April 2021 continue to apply. Traders should continue to use the new AHR composite EHCs if they have been doing so since April. If your composite product used an EHC prior to 21 April 2021, you can now continue to use that EHC until 15 January 2022.  

What does this mean for Authorised Traders sending goods to Northern Ireland

There is no change from August for Authorised Traders sending goods to Northern Ireland. We have proposed to the Commission a ‘standstill’ to freeze the current situation on implementing the Protocol in order to create space for a constructive negotiation between us and the EU. Under it we would continue to operate the Protocol as now; the grace periods would remain in being beyond current expiry dates; and existing legal actions would be paused.  We aim to begin negotiations with the EU as soon as we can, i.e. later in August.