From Friday 21 August 2020, exporters will only be able to apply online for the most frequently used Export Health Certificates (EHCs) which are available digitally, rather than emailing a PDF form to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). You can check if the EHC you need is available digitally on the Find an export health certificate page.
The new digital service has been trialled and received positive feedback from a number of existing export businesses and Certifiers (Official Veterinarians and Local Authority Certifiers) in recent months, and since it was launched close to 1000 organisations have registered to use the service. Features of new online service include:
- the ability to track your EHC from application stage through to certification by your Official Veterinarian/Inspector
- copy information from previous certificates into new applications saving you time and effort
- start an application, edit it and complete it at a later date
- never accidentally submit an out of date template of an EHC - the online service will always contain the most recent version
- see previously completed applications in one place
- receive email notifications when an EHC is ready to certify or action is required.
The service has also been designed to support any changes at the end of the Transition Period (Friday 1 January 2021), when additional certification of exports of animals and animal products to the European Union (EU) will require EHCs. The new service will ensure that exporters and Certifiers can easily obtain a new EHC.
Registration
If you have not already registered for the online service you must take action now to ensure you can continue to apply for the most popular EHCs after Friday 21 August 2020.
