A lot of people aren’t aware that in order to export specific animal goods out of the EU you must have the Export Health Certificate (EHC). This covers but isn’t only limited to eggs, dairy, meat and other animal products. Only a licensed veterinarian (OV) and must be a certified veterinarian, is able to sign an EHC and we’ve written this blog article as a quick guide to what to be looking for when selecting an OV.
Does a veterinary clinic have to sign the export certificate of health?
The simple answer is not. Only an official veterinarian (OV) who has been authorized by DEFRA to sign government documentation on behalf of DEFRA is authorized to sign EHCs. Based on the region of your country you’re exporting, EHCs may be required to:
Meat (beef lamb, pork as well as venison, poultry and other processed meat items)
Dairy (milk, yogurt, whey cheese, butter, cheese and Ice cream)
Wool, hides, skins feathers, lanolin
Collagen, gelatin & casings
Eggs
Products from fish and the fishing industry
Laboratory
Animal feed and pet food
Miscellaneous
The official veterinarians are appointed to a panel e.g. PX (product exports ), which includes products from animals, such as those mentioned above) They have been through a rigorous and intensive training on export documentation and are subject to periodic renewal of their certification.
How can I ensure that I’m picking the correct vet surgeon?
There are very few vets that are selected to this panel and are actively involved in this area. There are couple of things to be aware of when choosing an OV. This includes:
Experience and Experience. Do they have any experience with the product or country that you are interested in?
Quality – Will they offer the best service?
Reliability – Will they show up at the right time and perform what they say and then complete as well as return EHCs in a timely manner?
Ability to work – are they able to be available to work in the required timeframe? Do they work on weekends or late into the night if required?
Location – Can they be transported to your place of work, or to the place of export?
Contacts – Are they regularly in contacts with the trade bodies, e.g. DIT, APHA and other organisations in the field to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest regulations and certification modifications?
Affiliated – do you have a designated contact person so that you can have a vet who is able to understand your business instead of having a different person appear each time?
Proactive – Can they research new markets with you in order to explore and grow your company?
Informative. Do they regularly update their latest news, updates and information via their website, email, and social media?
The good news is that we satisfy all the criteria above as well as, thanks to our years of experience, as well as numerous satisfied clients, we’ve developed a thorough understanding of the legal requirements to export as well as the global markets that are open to customers.
What can we do to help you with your needs for exporting?
We provide dependable fast, punctual, and top-quality service that is tailored to your particular needs. In our advice services we can assist you identify potential markets for exports to expand your company.
Our veterinarians at the veterinary clinic have vast expertise in every aspect of exporting, along with close connections with trade associations and other organizations who work to increase education and awareness about exports. As part of our approach to proactive we’ll collaborate with you to fully know your company’s needs.
Start exporting now.
If you believe you’re ready for your journey to export today, call us for an initial telephone appointment or via email with our knowledgeable veterinarians.