Guidance

Apply for an export health certificate

Published 2 December 2024

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-apply-for-an-export-health-certificate-ehc/apply-for-an-export-health-certificate

1. Certificates you can apply for using EHC Online

You can apply for:

  • certificates for trade with third countries (countries outside of the EU)
  • certificates for trade with countries in the EU

1.1 Certificates for trade with third countries (countries outside of the EU)

The most frequently used certificates are available on EHC Online. They are downloaded and printed by your certifier, who is your official vet (OV) or inspector.

Some EHCs are printed on special watermarked ‘crown gold’ paper and posted to your certifier by APHA.

If an EHC is not available on EHC Online, you can apply by filling in a PDF application and sending it by email to APHA.

1.2 Certificates for EU trade

These EHCs are downloaded from EHC Online by your certifier to print on white paper.

These EHCs include a copy in the language of the border control post (BCP) where your export will enter the EU.

For example, if you’re applying for an EU EHC that will enter the EU at a BCP in France and the final destination is in Spain, your certifier will get English and French language EHCs to certify.

You do not have to fill in any questions that are not in English - the system will copy your answers automatically.

2. Accessing EHC Online

Before you start you’ll need to register for EHC Online using Government Gateway and Defra account.

You cannot access Government Gateway account using Windows XP and Windows Vista or Internet Explorer 6 and 7. You may have problems with other older operating systems and browsers.

2.1 Find an export health certificate

Go to Find an export health certificate and search for the EHC you need using:

  • 4 digit certificate number
  • country
  • commodity

The EHC and guidance notes that explain what rules you’ll need to follow for your export are on these pages.

You can also start an online application if the EHC is available on EHC Online. You’ll need to register for Government Gateway and a Defra account to use the service.

2.2 Apply for an export health certificate

If you already know the rules you need to follow for your export, you can go to Apply for an export health certificate. Read the guidance and click on “Start now”.

3. Make sure your certifier is registered to use EHC Online

To apply for an EHC online your certifier must be registered to use the service.

If you cannot find your certifier when asked for their details in EHC Online, you’ll need to let them know as they will need to register.

Do not pick a certifier in EHC Online that you do not have a relationship with.

4. Cloning an application

You can clone (make a copy of) an application if you need to make a similar one for the same EHC. You can clone a submitted or a draft application.

5. Certificates that must be signed by an APHA veterinarian

These EHCs must also be signed by an APHA vet as well as by your certifier.

Exporting to the USA:

Exporting to Canada:

Exporting to Japan:

Exporting to China:

These applications must include:

  • a manufacturer’s declaration
  • an import permit (if applicable)
  • an authorised signatory declaration form

APHA will reject any applications that are missing these extra documents.

To apply for one these EHCs:

  1. Complete your application using EHC Online.
  2. Include your business address as the alternative delivery address (you do not need to submit a delivery declaration to do this).
  3. Make sure the exporter’s name and address on the certificate matches the business name and address on the manufacturer’s declaration and authorised signatory declaration.
  4. Attach the import permit (if applicable), manufacturer’s declaration and authorised signatory declaration.
  5. Submit your application.

You’ll see the status of your application change to CERTIFIER ACTION.

When you submit your application, your certifier can then:

  • carry out their checks and update your application with any missing or incorrect information
  • preview the answers and print a specimen EHC
  • stamp and sign the specimen EHC, scan it and attach it to your application
  • submit the application to APHA
  • the status of your application will then display as PROCESSING
  • APHA will then process your application and dispatch your certificate by the chosen method of dispatch
  • the status of your application will then display as DISPATCHED.

EHCs for exporting to the EU do not need to be signed by an APHA vet.

6. Transit certificates to pass through a country

See Transit certificates.

You’ll need to create and submit two separate applications, one for the EHC for your destination country and a second for your transit certificate.

Make sure you use the same reference number on both applications so APHA can send both EHCs to your certifier at the same time.

Contact APHA if you need help with transit certificates on 03000 200 301 or exports@apha.gov.uk.

7. Derogations

See If your export does not meet all conditions set out in the EHC

Derogations cannot be issued for EU EHCs.

8. Make changes to a completed application

See If you need to make changes to an application.

9. Pre-certificates

Some destination countries need a pre-certificate that has been certified by the OV. This is to show what information will be in the EHC and in some cases, to issue an import permit for the export.

If you need a pre-certificate:

  • apply for the EHC you need using EHC Online but do not submit your application
  • print and save the preview specimen certificate
  • save you application as a draft
  • use the specimen EHC as the pre-certificate

When you’re ready, finish your draft application and submit it to APHA.

10. Cancel and replace an EHC

See If you need to make changes to an application.

Your certifier can apply for an EHC to be cancelled and replaced using EHC Online.

They can only apply to replace EHCs that:

  • have been certified
  • are for exports that have left the UK

APHA does not automatically replace EHCs, and will always try and find an alternative solution.

If you cannot apply to replace an EHC, apply for a new one using EHC Online and contact APHA to ask for the original EHC to be cancelled.

Contact APHA if you need help with cancelling and replacing EHCs on 03000 200 301 or exports@apha.gov.uk.

10.1 Replacing an EU EHC

EU law states that you can only replace an EU EHC if:

  • APHA have made an administrative error
  • the original EHC has been damaged or lost

You cannot change any information about your export in the replacement EHC.

If the BCP finds errors in your EHC when your export enters the EU, it may be rejected. Your export could be:

  • held until a replacement EHC is issued (if this can be done)
  • returned
  • destroyed

11. If you need help to use EHC Online

You can get help to use EHC Online by calling APHA on 03000 200 301, 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

11.1 Help submitting an application during normal business hours

If you have problems submitting an application, call the APHA Service Desk on 0330 041 6999, 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

11.2 Help outside of normal business hours and bank holidays

The APHA service desk is not open outside of normal business hours and on bank holidays.

If you need help with an application when the office is not open, save your application as a draft and call the APHA Service Desk on 0330 041 6999 when the office is open, 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

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