Health certificate

Definition and role

A health certificate is an official document certifying that products of animal origin, foodstuffs, or live animals comply with the health requirements of the importing country. It is issued by the competent veterinary authority or health authority of the exporting country.

Regulatory framework

Internationally, the health certification system relies on standards from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE) and the Codex Alimentarius. In the EU, the framework is defined by:

• Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (official controls)
• Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2235 (health certificate models for EU imports)

Importing into the EU

To introduce products of animal origin into the EU:

• The third country must be listed by the European Commission
• The establishment of origin must be approved by the third country's authorities and listed by the Commission
• The health certificate must follow the official EU model (TRACES certificates)
• Goods must enter through an approved Border Control Post (BCP)

Common pitfalls

• A certificate not conforming to the official model leads to rejection of goods
• Requirements vary by product and country of origin: consult TRACES NT and applicable implementing regulations
• Certificates must be signed by an official veterinarian (not a private veterinarian)