|
Brussels, |
|
Animal products: movements within the Union and entry into the EU
Every day, products of animal origin move between EU Member States or enter the Union from third countries. EU law sets animal health requirements for these movements in order to prevent the transmission of diseases to other animals and to the public, while allowing trade to function safely within the internal market and at the EU’s external borders. The general legal basis for both intra-EU movements and entry into the Union is Regulation (EU) 2016/429, the Animal Health Law.
For movements between Member States, the rules are harmonised across the Union. Products of animal origin must come from a registered or approved establishment, and checks may also be carried out at the final destination. In evolving disease situations, additional animal health requirements may apply, including the need for specific certificates. This framework is intended to preserve a common sanitary standard across the EU while allowing products to circulate under controlled conditions.
For entry into the Union from non-EU countries, the detailed animal health requirements are laid down in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692, while the model animal health and animal health/official certificates are set out in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2235. The relevant attestations must be signed by an official veterinarian of the exporting third country or territory, certifying that the conditions for entry into the EU have been met.
Once they arrive in the EU, products of animal origin are subject to official inspections at a designated Border Control Post (BCP) under the Union’s veterinary border control system. This combination of establishment approval, certification, border inspection and possible destination checks forms the core of the EU regime for animal products, linking animal health protection, food safety and trade management in a single framework.
For movements between Member States, the rules are harmonised across the Union. Products of animal origin must come from a registered or approved establishment, and checks may also be carried out at the final destination. In evolving disease situations, additional animal health requirements may apply, including the need for specific certificates. This framework is intended to preserve a common sanitary standard across the EU while allowing products to circulate under controlled conditions.
For entry into the Union from non-EU countries, the detailed animal health requirements are laid down in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692, while the model animal health and animal health/official certificates are set out in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2235. The relevant attestations must be signed by an official veterinarian of the exporting third country or territory, certifying that the conditions for entry into the EU have been met.
Once they arrive in the EU, products of animal origin are subject to official inspections at a designated Border Control Post (BCP) under the Union’s veterinary border control system. This combination of establishment approval, certification, border inspection and possible destination checks forms the core of the EU regime for animal products, linking animal health protection, food safety and trade management in a single framework.
Request More details on the subject of this page
eEuropa clients can request additional details, background information or tailored clarification on the subject covered on this page.
This is a free service reserved for eEuropa clients.
