The European Commission has voted to extend the transition period for the new format Export Health Certificates (EHCs) to 15th January 2022.
These rules apply to seafood exporters in Great Britain exporting to the European Union, and also apply to GB businesses trading with Northern Ireland. The EHC rules were due to be applied from 21st August, but the EU has now delayed the introduction of these new export health certificates until 15th January 2022.
The is most relevant to aquaculture businesses, or businesses exporting aquaculture products. Some species, such as Pacific oysters, European flat oysters and salmon, are affected more than others. Any business currently exporting using EHC numbers 8249 or 8270 will see changes that will affect their business.
According to a statement from Seafish, further clarification is expected from Defra, which is reviewing options for the use of current and new certificates.
“Traders were due to start using the new format EHCs from 21st August 2021. The delay will mean that EHCs signed in the current template before 15th January 2022 can be used until 15th March 2022 for goods on route to the EU. Changes to the rules for the certification of composite products which took effect in April 2021 continue to apply,” Seafish stated.
