Marine

Less than one month to go until new export requirements!

December 22, 2021 by Marine Scotland Communications No Comments | Category Aquaculture, EU exit

Businesses planning to export fishery and aquaculture products for human consumption to the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland (NI) now have less than a month to go before new requirements come into force from 15 January 2022.

New export health certificates (EHCs) will be required alongside products to confirm that certain conditions, health standards and regulations for the designated country have been met. This change is as a result of updates to EU animal health law and UK’s status as a third country following EU Exit.

In addition, there is a requirement for certain products – such as farmed salmon and trout intended for further processing and farmed live bivalve molluscs – to have the EHC certified by an Official Vet (OV) rather than a Food Competent Certifying Officer (FCCO). A list of products requiring OV certification can be found in the UK Government’s Notes for Guidance:
Guidance on live fish, crustaceans and products of animal origin from these animals
Guidance on live bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods, and products from these animals

Food Standards Scotland Official Vets and FCCOs can be accessed through export logistics hubs operated in central Scotland by DFDS, Mesguen and O’Tooles. Exporters who are unable to use, or choose not to use, one of the existing logistics hubs will still be able to request a signed EHC from their own Local Authority. Further information on the export hubs can be found on the Food Standards Scotland website.

Exporters who will need to use the new EHCs are recommended to familiarise themselves with the requirements needed, and can find the information available on EHC Online alongside notes for guidance. Further advice is also available on the UK Government published Export Health Certificates FAQ.

Scottish live aquatic animal exporters should also be aware that live fish and shellfish (unless for direct human consumption) going to the EU and NI must use new animal health certificates (AHCs) from 15 January 2022.

This includes an additional export step for the arrangement of an OV to issue the AHC, and new requirements that exporters must implement (regular vet visits and labelling of consignments). Visit the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) trader webpage for more information.

For any specific queries please contact traders@defra.gov.uk.

Tags: aquaculture, export health certificates, Scottish seafood, Scottish seafood sector, seafood exports, shellfish

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