Phytosanitary certificate / Veterinary certificate
Official documents attesting to the health conformity of plant and animal products imported into the EU.
Phytosanitary and veterinary certificates
Phytosanitary certificates and Veterinary certificates are official documents issued by the health authorities of the exporting country, attesting that the goods meet the health requirements of the importing country.
Phytosanitary certificate
Mandatory for the importation of plants, plant products, fruits, vegetables, seeds and wood. Issued in accordance with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Verified in France by the DGAL at Border Control Posts (PCF).
Veterinary certificate
Mandatory for the importation of products of animal origin, live animals and animal by-products. Must comply with EU harmonized models and issued by the authorized veterinary authorities of the third country.
TRACES system
In the EU, import health controls are managed via the TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) system. Certificates must be pre-notified in TRACES before the arrival of the goods.
Consequences in the event of non-compliance
Refoulement, destruction or reshipment of goods. The costs are the responsibility of the importer. Repeated infractions may lead to systematic checks.