Brexit Update - 5 August - New Export Health Certificates available
Implementation of EU Animal Health Regulations - new Export Health Certificates available
The EU is making changes to its animal health laws, therefore Export Health Certificates (EHCs) and Notes for Guidance used to move goods to Northern Ireland or export to the EU are being updated.
The new Animal Health Regulation (AHR) EHCs are now available to use and can be accessed at the Form Finder link- https://www.gov.uk/export-health-certificates
Whilst the EU has confirmed a delay to the date the new EHCs must be signed until 15 January 2022, equines being moved from GB to the EU/NI can use either the current or new certificate.
The new EHCs which relate to the movement of Equines are:
- 8431 replaces 8335 - equine animals not intended for slaughter
- 8432replaces 8337 - transit of equine animals not intended for slaughter
- 8433 replaces 8334 - re-entry into the Union of registered horses for racing, competition and cultural events after temporary export for a period of not more than 30 days
There are a number of changes to the current requirements with the introduction of the new EHCs.
- The Requirement for a Premises Registration Number
Under the new EU Animal Health Regulations, a registration number is required for the place of dispatch, and the EU have stipulated that this be issued by the Competent Authority (i.e., the UK Government).
This means that all premises from which thoroughbreds might be transported to an EU country will need a UK Government issued County Parish Holding (CPH) number (e.g., studs, sales houses, trainers, pre-trainers, racecourses), and this CPH number needs to be recorded on the EHC.
If you have an existing CPH number as you keep agricultural animals, you can use this number. If you do not, you will need to apply for a CPH.
You will be able to apply for a CPH number through an online form on gov.uk, however this facility is not yet available.
If you are based in England or Scotland and intend to export to the EU on or immediately after the 21 August, please use the IRA86 form attached to apply for a CPH. The completed form should be sent to [email protected]. Please include the date of first export from your premises from 21 August in the subject line of your email.
Equine keepers in Wales should register for a CPH through Manage My CPH on RPW Online (www.gov.wales/rural-payments-wales-rpw-online).
If an individual/company owns/manages multiple establishments from which equines are exported to the EU, each establishment will need a separate CPH number.
Other changes coming in with the new EHCs are as follows:
- Moves are no longer distinguished as to whether they are permanent or temporary
- Pre-export residency is now 40 days for all horses, and requirements now refer to residency in country of origin (previously referred to residency in specific holding(/s) in country of origin).
- Pre-export isolation requirements have been removed for all registered horses which, however, require veterinary supervision for 30 days pre-export (as is currently the requirement).
- No equines need an Equine Viral Arteritis test pre-export under the new certificates.
- All moves can now have Equine Infectious Anaemia testing done within 90 days of travel (previously this only applied to temporary moves of registered horses; all permanent moves - and temporary moves of unregistered horses - had to be tested within 30 days of export).
Our advice remains to speak to your vet in advance of travel about the requirements, and those wishing to transport thoroughbreds to or from the EU use a professional shipping agent who will be able to supply you with expert and up-to-date advice tailored to your specific requirements, especially in relation to Customs compliance. Failure to provide correct documentation and follow specified procedures may mean that your horses are turned away from BCPs and are not permitted to continue their journey.
Further information is available on DEFRA’s showcase site.
If you have any questions, please use our dedicated e-mail address for specific queries on Brexit horse movements via [email protected].