A lot of people aren’t aware that in order to export specific animal goods outside the EU You need the Export Health Certificate (EHC). This can include however, it is not restricted to: eggs, dairy, meat and other animal-related products. Only a licensed veterinarian (OV) and must be a certified veterinarian, is able to sign an EHC which is why we’ve written this blog article as a quick guide to the things to be looking for when selecting an OV.
Does a vet have to sign the export certificate of health?
The simple answer is not. Only an official veterinarian (OV) who is appointed by DEFRA to sign government paperwork on behalf of the Government is able to sign EHCs. Based on the region of the globe you’ll be exporting, EHCs may be required to:
Meat (beef lamb, pork as well as venison, poultry and the processed products of meat)
Dairy (milk, dairy products like yoghurt, whey cheese, butter, cheese and Ice cream)
Skins, hides, wool feathers, lanolin
Collagen, gelatin & casings
Eggs
Products from the fishery and fishing industry
Laboratory
Pet food and animal feed
Miscellaneous
The official veterinarians are appointed to a particular panel e.g. PX (product exports ), which includes animal products like the ones mentioned above) and have been through a rigorous and intensive training on export documentation and are subjected to regular validation.
How can I be sure I’m selecting the right vet surgeon?
There are very only a few vets appointed to this panel and are actively involved in this area. So, there are number of factors to be aware of when choosing an OV. This includes:
Experience – Do they have previous experience with the country and product that you are interested in?
Quality – Will they offer an excellent service?
Reliability: Will they show up on time , do what they have promised and also complete and then return EHCs on time?
Are they available to meet the deadlines? Are they able to work on weekends and late into the night if required?
Location – Are they able to reach your location 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’re up-to-date with the most recent legislation and certificate modifications?
Familiar – do you have a designated contact person so that you can get a vet who really understands your business instead of having a new person appear each time?
Proactive – Can they explore new markets with you in order to increase and expand your company?
Informative – do they frequently update their latest news, updates and other information on 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 many satisfied clients, we’ve developed a thorough understanding of the legal requirements for exporting as well as the global market opportunities available 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, and have close connections with associations and industry bodies who promote education and awareness about exports. As part of our proactive strategy we’ll assist you in ensuring that you fully know your company’s needs.
Start exporting now.
If you’re ready for your journey to export today, call us for an initial telephone consult via email or phone with our knowledgeable vet team.
