Guidance

Clarifying information for imports of animal products - Import Information Note (IIN) GEN/4

Updated 23 May 2025

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Introduction

This Import Information Note (IIN) sets out clarifications relating to the certification of animal products for imports of medium risk animal products from European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries. It should be read in conjunction with:

• the general IIN for products of animal origin (POAO) for human consumption (IIN GEN/2) 
• the general IIN for animal by-products (ABP) not for human consumption (IIN GEN/3)
• any specific IIN for the particular product or health certificate referenced below

This note does not set out general import requirements for animal products imported into Great Britain (GB). The purpose of the note is to provide clarification on specific issues raised by trading partners in relation to the completion of health certificates. The contents of the note will be updated over time, and changes highlighted.

The responsibility to obtain a GB health certificate is that of the exporter in the country of dispatch of the goods. Certification is the responsibility of a certifying officer in that country.

Clarifications  

GBHC179: 4.A. Fresh meat from New Zealand

Model health certificate GBHC179: 4.A. Fresh meat from New Zealand (PDF, 26.8 KB).

Box reference I.25. Identification of the commodities 

Treatment type – the standard rest of world certificates for fresh meat require the treatment type to include the freezing dates.   

Clarification – the certificate laid down in the New Zealand Equivalence Agreement does not require this information. Therefore, New Zealand do not need to include freezing dates when certifying fresh meat on certificatge GBHC179. 

Part II: Certification, II. Health attestation, attestation III

The model certificate GBHC179 on GOV.UK includes the phrase “…and passed antemortem and post-mortem inspections”. This is an error.  

Clarification – the operational version of the certificate that accompanies fresh meat from New Zealand that omits the reference to ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections is correct as it is in line with the model certificate laid down in Decision 2015/1084.

GBHC331 POU-T: Poultry products transit  

GBHC331 POU-T: Poultry products transit (PDF, 168 KB).

Part II opening paragraph 

The opening paragraph of part II contains the line “hereby certify that the fresh poultry meat described in Part I”. In this case, ‘poultry meat’ is an error and should instead be ‘poultry product’, in line with the rest of the certificate. 

Clarification – the word ‘meat’ will be replaced with ‘product’ at the next opportunity. In the meantime, continue to use this certificate for poultry products.  

GBHC352 MP-PROD: Meat products  

GBHC352 MP-PROD: Meat products (PDF, 230 KB).

Place of Loading Approval I.13 

Box I.13 in Part I asks for an approval number for the ‘Place of Loading’. This is separate to the approval number required in I.11 for the ‘Place of Origin’. While the place of origin of the product will always be an approved establishment, this might not always be the case for the place of loading. For example, when the place of loading is certified as the place where a road vehicle is embarking on the ferry for movement to GB.  

Clarification – it is acceptable to certify the ‘Approval Number’ field in I.13 as ‘N/A’ if the place of loading is not an approved establishment.  

PH/D003 notes for completion

The notes for completion of attestation PH/D003 point (3), (b) and (c) only apply to bovine, ovine and caprine animals.

Clarification – an amendment to clarify this will be made to the certificate at the next opportunity. In the meantime, only use these options when the meat product or treated intestines are derived from bovine, ovine or caprine animals.

GBHC400 LBM: Live bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods

GBHC400 LBM:_Live bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods (PDF,160 KB).

Part III, Notes for completion, Part II animal health opening attestation

The current wording of paragraph (c) includes the phrase: “or dispatch centres, purification centres or similar businesses which are equipped with an effluent treatment system inactivating the pathogens in question, or where the effluent is subject to other types of treatment reducing the risk of transmitting diseases to the natural waters to an acceptable level”. This is an error and the EHC will be amended at the next opportunity to reflect this clarification.

Clarification – Live bivalve molluscs (LBMs) intended for dispatch centres, designated relaying areas or purification (depuration) centres or similar facilities are classified as live animals for trade purposes. Therefore, they must be accompanied by a live animal health certificate (GBHC676), and not GBHC400.

This EHC will be amended at the next opportunity to reflect this clarification. In the meantime, if you have any queries as to which certificate should be used, please contact the relevant Fish Health Inspectorate.

PH/E100A Establishment requirements

The notes for completion currently state that the establishments where the products come must operate under a programme based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004. However, this does not apply to wild-caught LBMs.

Clarification – For wild-caught LBMs, the establishments from where the products come must instead operate under a programme based on HACCP principles implemented in accordance with Article 4(1) of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004. This EHC will be amended at the next opportunity to reflect this clarification.

PH/P111 Health standards

The notes for completion currently require the products to meet the health standards set out in section VII, chapter V of annex III of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004.

Clarification – this is not applicable to products that are subject to further processing as described in Section VII, Chapter 2 of the same regulation. This EHC will be amended at the next opportunity to reflect this clarification.

PH/MK007 Marking requirements

The notes for completion specify that the products must be marked and labelled in accordance with Section I of Annex II and Section VII, Chapter VII of Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004.

Clarification – This requirement does not apply to class B and C LBMs that are destined for further processing, and meet the conditions outlined in Section VII, Chapter I (3) to (6) of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004. This EHC will be amended at the next opportunity to reflect this clarification.

PH/S105B Storage and transportation requirements

The notes for completion currently state that wrapping, packaging, storage and transport must comply with the relevant sections in Section VII, Chapters VI to VIII of Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004.

Clarification – For primary products destined for further processing, the applicable requirements are those set out in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004, rather than those laid down in Section VII, Chapters VI to VIII of Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004.

Additionally, when a batch of LBMS moves between establishments, up to and including the arrival of the batch at a dispatch centre or processing establishment, a registration document that meets the relevant requirements set out in Section VII, Chapter I (3 to 6) of Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 must accompany the batch. This EHC will be amended at the next opportunity to reflect this clarification.

GBHC401 FP: Fishery products  

GBHC401 FP: Fishery products (PDF, 171 KB).

‘No.’ in Box I.25 

Box I.25 in Part I contains a field labelled ‘No.’ 

Clarification – quantities of product are outlined elsewhere on the health certificate. This box can be used to provide numbering for different lines entered into Box I.26 of the certificate where products with different combined nomenclature (CN) codes are being grouped onto a single certificate. This will help to link the products with each CN code specified in I.25 to the relevant scientific name given in I.26. However, it can be certified as ‘N/A’ if necessary. 

Number of digits for HS code in Box I.25 

Notes for completion Part I under box reference I.15 advises to insert the appropriate Harmonised System (HS) codes (specified to 10 characters). 

Clarification – we are able to accept HS codes with a minimum of 4 digits. The advice currently in the notes for completion for box I.25 is an error and will be updated. 

AH/P502 Transport and labelling requirements

The first line of the notes for completion for this attestation “The first statement applies only where aquaculture animals are transported in water” is an error and should be disregarded. 

Clarification – Part (a) of AH/P502 applies in all circumstances. This EHC will be amended at the next opportunity to reflect this clarification.

GBHC421 EP-P: Egg products 

GBHC421 EP-P: Egg products (PDF, 133 KB).

AH/D001 Highly pathogenic avian influenza

The wording of the health certificate is as follows:

“I, the undersigned official veterinarian, hereby certify that the egg products described in this certificate were produced from eggs coming from (an) establishment(s) in which highly pathogenic avian influenza and Newcastle disease as defined in GB legislation have not been present; and

 AH/D001 Highly pathogenic avian influenza

 (*)EITHER [within a 10 km radius of which, including, where appropriate, the territory of a neighbouring country, there has been no outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza for at least the previous 30 days;]

 ()AND/OR [the egg products were processed in compliance with Notes for Completion statement reference(s) ()[A1] ()[A2] ()[B] ()[C1] ()[C2] ()[D1] ()[D2] ()[E1] ()[E2] (*)[E3];]”

Clarification – this certificate provides 2 options for meeting AH/D001. The eggs within egg products must either originate from an establishment where there has not been an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) within a 10km radius for the past 30 days or they must be processed in compliance with the treatment options listed for that specific egg product.  

Egg products that are not explicitly listed (for example, sugared yolks, plain or pure yolks) on the health certificate can be certified if the eggs within the egg product do not originate from an establishment where there has been an outbreak of HPAI within a 10km radius for the past 30 days.  

Where an egg product is being certified based on its treatment, the eggs do not have to have been processed at the precise temperature and time combination listed as long as both the temperature and time are the same or higher than what is listed in the health certificate.   

In addition to the above, egg products containing plain or pure egg yolk can be certified if they have been treated in line with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH - formerly OIE) standard for the inactivation of HPAI – 60°C for 288 seconds. This treatment option for plain or pure egg yolk is not currently listed in the health certificate but may be referenced within a schedule.   

GBHC431 COL: Collagen 

GBHC431 COL: Collagen (PDF, 129 KB).

‘No.’ in Box I.25 

Box I.25 in Part I contains a field labelled ‘No.’  

Clarification – quantities of product are outlined elsewhere on the health certificate. This box can be used to provide numbering for different lines entered into Box I.26 of the certificate where products with different CN codes are being grouped onto a single certificate. This will help to link the products with each CN code specified in I.25 to the relevant scientific name given in I.26. However, it can be certified as ‘N/A’ if necessary. 

GBHC440 COMP: Composite products intended for human consumption 

GBHC440 COMP: Composite products (PDF, 208 KB).

Signature box 

For composite products containing only egg or fishery products, the signature of an official inspector can be accepted.

Clarification – in the case of composite products containing only egg or fishery products, the signature of an official inspector can be accepted. At the next opportunity, this line will be re-added to both GHBC440 and GHBC441. 

GHBC441 COMP-T/S: Composite products transit or storage 

GBHC441 COMP-T/S: Composite products transit or storage (PDF, 167 KB).

Signature box 

For composite products containing only egg or fishery products, the signature of an official inspector can be accepted. 

Clarification – in the case of composite products containing only egg or fishery products, the signature of an official inspector can be accepted. At the next opportunity, this line will be re-added to both GHBC440 and GHBC441. 

GBHC500 BP: Blood products

GBHC500_BP_Blood_products_v1.0_May-23 (PDF, 204 KB, 8 pages).

AH/P901 Product requirements (statement)

This attestation only applies to products that contain or are derived from animal by-products of non-ruminant origin.

Clarification – this statement should have a (*) to indicate that it may be deleted for products of ruminant origin. This will be added to the certificate at the next opportunity. In the meantime, exporters may strike through this attestation for products containing or derived from animal by-products of ruminant origin.

PH/D011B Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)

This attestation only applies to products that contain or are derived from animal by-products of ruminant origin.

Clarification – this attestation should have a (*) to indicate that it may be deleted for products of non-ruminant origin. This will be added to the certificate at the next opportunity. In the meantime, exporter may strike through this attestation for products containing or derived from animal by-products of non-ruminant origin.

GBHC511 RFFO: Rendered fats for use outside the food and feed chain

GBHC511 RFFO: Rendered fats for use outside the food and feed chain (PDF, 159KB)

AH/P618 Product requirements

The rendered fats must have:

(a) been subjected to processing in accordance with methods as set out in Chapter III of Annex IV to Regulation (EU) No 142/2011, in order to kill pathogenic agents; and  

(b) been marked before shipment to Great Britain with glyceroltriheptanoate (GTH), so that a homogenous minimum concentration of at least 250 mg GTH per kilogramme fat is achieved. 

Clarification – b) above only applies to Category 1 and Category 2 rendered fats.

GBHC530 G-C: Gelatine and collagen

GBHC530 G-C: Gelatine and collagen (PDF, 202KB)

PH/D011B Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)

This attestation only applies to products that contain or are derived from animal by-products of ruminant origin.

Clarification – this attestation should have a (*) to indicate that it may be deleted for products of non-ruminant origin. This will be added to the certificate at the next opportunity. In the meantime, exporters may strike through this attestation for products containing or derived from animal by-products of non-ruminant origin.

GBHC562 PET-R: Raw petfood for direct sale or ABPs to be fed to fur animals 

GBHC562 PET-R: Raw petfood (PDF, 178 KB)

PH/D010 Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) 

Section (a) should have a (*) to indicate that it may be deleted. 

Clarification – if the products described in Part I contain ruminant material originating in GB, then section (a) can be deleted. The statements regarding BSE risk status do not apply. Section (b) should still be completed. 

GBHC565 PET-ABP: Animal by-products for petfood 

GBHC565 PET-ABP: Animal by products for petfood (PDF, 232 KB)

PH/D010 Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) 

Section (a) should have a (*) to indicate that it may be deleted. 

Clarification – if the products described in Part I contain ruminant material originating in GB, then section (a) can be struck through or deleted. The statements regarding BSE risk status do not apply. Section (b) should still be completed. 

AH/T503 Territory requirements (notes for completion)

Enter the name and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) code number of the exporting country as laid down in:

• a document relating to ‘fresh meat of ungulates’ published on GOV.UK, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 206/2010. Animal by products for petfood (PET-ABP) GBHC565 Version 1.0 May-23 NFC 2 / 6
• a document relating to ‘poultry and poultry products’ published on GOV.UK, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 798/2008
• a document relating to ‘meat of wild leporidae, certain wild land mammals and of farmed rabbits’ published on GOV.UK, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 119/2009

In addition, the ISO code of regionalisation in the above-mentioned documents (where applicable for the susceptible species concerned) must be included.  

Option (b) is only applicable for countries from which game meat intended for human consumption of the same animal species is authorised for importation into GB. 

Clarification – this statement should be retained in full. ‘Exporting country’ should be interpreted to mean the country or countries of origin of the ABPs. 

AH/A504 Animal requirements (notes for completion) 

This certificate can be used for a number of animal by-products, including aquatic animals (except sea mammals) and certain material originating from animals that did not show signs of disease communicable to humans or animals, such as hatchery by-products, eggs and egg by-products and day-old chicks killed for commercial reasons. For these products, it is not relevant or appropriate to attest to the slaughter conditions of the animals that have contributed to the ABP. In this circumstance, it is acceptable to certify the ‘either X’ statement presented in the certificate in its entirety on the basis that this provides the relevant assurances (a(i) and b(i)) from the conditions presented. The entire statement should be retained. 

Clarification – for these products, it is expected that the export OV decides whether the products being imported into GB need to comply with options X: (b) (ii), (iii) and (iv).  Where options X: (b) (ii), (iii) and (iv) are not relevant or appropriate for the products, those statements do not need to be complied with.   

AH/P101B Product requirements (composition) 

Have been prepared exclusively with the following Category 3 materials as set out in the notes for completion: 

() [A] () [B] () [C] () [D] () [E] () [F] () [G] () [H] () [I] () [J]. 

Clarification – if the products have been prepared from material described in option J, the products do not need to have been prepared exclusively with category 3 materials.

GBHC581 PAP: Processed animal protein

GBHC581_PAP_Processed_animal_protein_v1.1_Aug-23 (PDF, 219 KB, 9 pages).

AH/P902 Product requirements (statement)

This attestation only applies to products containing or derived from animal by-products of non ruminant origin.

Clarification – this attestation should have a (8) to indicate that it may be deleted for products of ruminant origin. This will be added to the certificate at the next opportunity. In the meantime, exporter may strike through this attestation for products derived only from ruminant origin.

GBHC583 M-MP: Milk, milk-based products and milk-derived products not for human consumption 

GBHC583 M-MP: Milk and products (PDF, 154 KB)

AH/T108 Territory requirements

Statement instructs to list the exporting country and region where the milk or colostrum was ‘produced and derived in’. 

Clarification – where the milk or colostrum originated from member states different from the member state of export or, were imported to the EU from non-EU countries or regions approved for import of the relevant commodity to GB, the relevant country name or region codes of the member states or third countries of origin should be entered. In this case, multiple country names or region codes can be entered where the certificate requires the “name of exporting country” and (if applicable) “insert name of region” section.

GBHC587 BOV-C: Colostrum and colostrum products from bovine animals not for human consumption 

GBHC587 BOV-C: Colostrum and products from bovine (PDF, 128 KB).

AH/T108 Territory requirements 

Statement instructs to list the exporting country and region where the milk or colostrum was ‘produced and derived in’. 

Clarification – where the milk or colostrum originated from member states different from the member state of export or, were imported to the EU from non-EU country(ies) or region(s) approved for import of the relevant commodity to Great Britain, the relevant country name or region code(s) of the member state(s) or third country(ies) of origin should be entered. In this case, multiple country names or region codes can be entered where the certificate requires the “name of exporting country” and (if applicable) “insert name of region” section.