Understanding Export Health Certificates

What is an Export Health Certificate?

To export seafood to an international market, you will need to check the destination country’s import requirements.  

All countries have their own standards in place to ensure the food imported is safe to eat and the imports do not pose a risk of spreading disease.   

Seafood falls under the ‘products of animal origin’ category and, as assurance the goods meet the hygiene requirements of the destination, many countries will request the shipment is accompanied by an Export Health Certificate (EHC).  

The EHC will have attestations which can differ depending on the country and your product.   

How can I find the correct certificate for my shipment?

In the UK, DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) is the competent authority and APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) issue the health certificates.  

You can search for the correct export health certificate on the UK government’s website.  

When a health certificate appears on this system, it indicates that DEFRA and the exporting country have agreed the appropriate text for the certificate to satisfy the import regulations.  

This certificate is then signed by an OV (official veterinarian) or an EHO (environmental health officer).   

What if my country does not appear on the list?

If there is not an official certificate on the system, the government advice is to contact the competent authority in the destination country to find out their import conditions.  

If you then email the conditions to exports@apha.gov.uk they will arrange the certificate for you.  

Alternatively, local authority can also provide export health certificates.  

This is a more bespoke service, meaning the text on the certificates can vary from different councils.  

The exporter or food business operator will still need to find out the import requirements of the destination country.  

The local authority will then input the relevant attestations. 

Provided the export meets the requirements, the certificate will be stamped.  

The local authority embossed stamp is widely accepted amongst customs authorities however, it is recommended that the exporter checks with the importer to ensure it will be accepted before sending the shipment.   

Local authority will need to know that the products are from an approved food establishment. 

This ensures that the food business operator has met all the relevant requirements of food legislation in the UK. You can see the list of approved business establishments on the Food Standards Agency website via the link below:

Further information

For more guidance on export health certificates visit Gov.uk on the link below: