Hatching eggs of poultry to or transit through the European Union and Northern Ireland: certificate 8436

Apply online for an export health certificate (EHC) to export hatching eggs of poultry like chickens, ducks and turkeys, other than ratites to, or transit through the European Union or move them to Northern Ireland.

Apply for an export health certificate online

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales, you must apply for an export health certificate (EHC) using the online service to export hatching eggs to the EU or to move them to Northern Ireland.

If you’re in Northern Ireland, you do not need an EHC to export to the EU. Contact DAERA on 02877 442 060 to find out what you need to do.

1. Check what you need for your export

Find out about the requirements for export in the guidance notes and specimen certificate.

2. Apply online

You’ll need:

  • a Government Gateway account
  • a Defra account

If you don’t already have them you’ll need to register for these accounts, and so will your official vet or inspector.

Start now

Registration takes around 5 minutes. Official vets and inspectors will also need to have their registration checked by APHA.

Register and sign in as an official vet or inspector.

Read the accessibility statement for this service.

Applying online means you can:

  • see the status of your applications
  • always use the latest version of the EHC
  • copy existing applications

Find out more

Stay up to date with any changes to EHCs by signing up for email alerts.

Find out about getting an EHC.

Find out about exporting live animals and animal products from 1 January 2021.

Help with your application

In England, Scotland and Wales, call APHA on 03000 200 301.

In Northern Ireland, call DAERA on 02877 442 060.

Find out about call charges.

Published 1 July 2021
Last updated 28 March 2024 + show all updates
  1. Guidance notes updated

  2. Guidance notes updated

  3. Guidance notes updated - Farm Assurance Scheme paragraph updated as per briefing note 45/22. For non-assured farms, time to use “other form of declaration and FCI” has been extended to 13 Dec 2023.

  4. Guidance notes updated.

  5. Guidance notes updated – information added to the section on certification of paragraph II.1.3 regarding farm assurance schemes.

  6. Updated guidance notes

  7. Updated NFG with Master of Vessel requirements

  8. Updated guidance notes

  9. Updated guidance notes attached

  10. Updated guidance notes and specimen certificate

  11. Guidance notes have been updated

  12. Export Health Certificate (EHC) is now available in the EHC Online service.

  13. First published.