Apply for an export health certificate
Exporters in England, Scotland and Wales: register or sign in to EHC online to apply for an export health certificate.
You need an export health certificate (EHC) to export live animals and animal products, including to Northern Ireland.
You can use this service to:
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apply for an export health certificate
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copy existing applications
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apply for blocks of certificates
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apply for multiple certificates in a single application
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see the status of your application
If you’re an Official Veterinarian (OV) or Food Competent Certifying Officer (FCCO), there’s a different service to certify an export health certificate.
Before you start
You’ll need a Government Gateway account and a Defra account. If you do not have them, you’ll be guided to set them up when you use the service for the first time.
You can apply online for most exports. However, not every export health certificate is available to apply for using this service. Check the certificate you need is available.
If you’re in Northern Ireland, you’ll need to upload your application for DAERA.
You can read the guidance on how to register for EHC online and apply for export health certificates.
Read the accessibility statement for this service.
We need your help to improve GOV.UK
If you need to export goods to the EU, or move goods into Northern Ireland, we’d like to hear about your experiences. If you’re happy for us to contact you, please fill in this short form. Your feedback will help us improve our services and guidance.
Updates to this page
Published 18 August 2020Last updated 7 November 2023 + show all updates
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Updated to show that you need an export health certificate (EHC) to export live animals and animal products, including to Northern Ireland.
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Added a link to the accessibility statement for this service.
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Updated the content to show that an export health certificate (EHC) will be needed to export to the EU or move live animals or animal products to Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021.
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First published.