10 March 2026: Clarification on how trading partners have been advised by Defra to complete certain GB health certificates
Updated 19 March 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-veterinary-surgeon-ovs-notes/10-march-2026-clarification-on-how-trading-partners-have-been-advised-by-defra-to-complete-certain-gb-health-certificates
OVS note number: 2026/15
Date: 10 March 2026
Purpose
To advise of clarifications for GB health certificates issued to trading partners.
Background
Trading partners have asked for clarification on completion of some GB EHCs and Defra have issued advice in the form of a new Import Information Note: Clarifying information for imports of animal products - Import Information Note (IIN) GEN/4 - GOV.UK
GBHC421 EP-P : Egg products
Part I.17
How can a schedule be added to the EHC when certifying that egg products containing plain or pure egg yolk are treated according to WOAH standards (HPAI - 60°C for 288 seconds) as it is necessary to prepare and sign a statement affirming that the product underwent the required treatment.
Clarification
As box I.17 of GBHC421 for egg products is not in use. We are content for the additional document/schedule to be included as an accompanying document. It should also be presented in line with the principles set out in Article 3 of Regulation 2019/628 so that the document/schedule:
- includes the certificate number
- is sequentially numbered to indicate that it is a particular page in a finite sequence
- is signed and stamped
Contact point for enquiries
Email: gbhealthcertificates@defra.gov.uk
Imports and EU Trade Team