There are changes to EU law which apply from April 2021 that will impact on traders who export certain animals, germinal products and products of animal origin. Export Health Certificates (EHCs) will need to be updated to reflect the new rules.

You will need to follow these new rules to be able to continue to export to the EU and moving goods to Northern Ireland.

New rules for the export of composite products will be introduced at the same time.

These changes will introduce new EHCs for composite products as well as new documentation for composite products exempt from certification.

Defra will be rolling out the new composite EHCs from 21 April 2021. They will be available online from 1st April.

There will be a potential increase in the number of composite products that require an EHC.

Defra is currently developing guidance for businesses and we will shortly issue more detailed information. Webinars are being planned for industry on these changes.

The EU’s legislation provides for a phased approach. HMRC plans to introduce the remaining new EHCs for animal products and live animals, as they are needed, by August 2021 when the switch needs to be complete.