FHI has updated its guidance to importers following issues with consignments of live aquatic animals which have been coming in on versions of the health certificates which are no longer valid. The most up-to-date templates should now be used and can be found on GOV.UK here as can the version history for all of the live aquatic animal health certificates.
FHI has confirmed that to allow the industry to migrate to the correct health certificates it has extended the deadline for all out of date health certificates to the 30 November 2022. It now recommends that the industry encourages their suppliers to work with their competent authorities to use the latest health certificate which is the one shown here.
FHI warns that any consignments received in GB on the out-of-date health certificates after 30 November 2022 may be subject to regulations issued under the Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulation 2011 which refers specifically to version:
For EU trade:
- for GBHC059E Version 1.0 and 1.1 expire on the 30 November 2020
- for GBHC060E Versions 1.0 and 1.1 expire on the 30 November 2020
For the rest of the world trade:
- for GBHC059X Version 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 expire on the 30 November 2020
- for GBHC060X Versions 1.0 and 1.1 expire on the 30 November 2020
FHI states that Health Certificates for imports of live aquatic animals into Great Britain must be completed in line with the Notes for Guidance (NFGs) for import of live aquatic animals into Great Britain. Imports that do not meet the mandatory requirements are liable to statutory action being taken against the importer and the supplier and it could lead to the shipment being rejected or intercepted and ultimately destroyed. Importers may wish to supply a copy of the NFG’s to their suppliers for information to aid in the future completion of the health certificates.
