Definition
The health certificate is a certificate that certifies, after inspection by competent authorities, that the products are compliant with European standards defined in applicable laws concerning production hygiene, microbiological standards for foodstuffs and the health condition of animals.
The following illustration shows an example of health certificate issued to export meat products from the European Union.
The template of health certificate may vary according to the requirements of the destination country.
Related products
Live animals require a health certificate for import and export as well as intra-community transport.
Animal products require a health certificate for import and export.
Food products of non-animal origin and food contact materials may need a health certificate for exportation when the destination country requires it.
Animal feed needs a health certificate for exportation to third countries when the destination country requires it.
Health certificates for intra-Community trade of foodstuffs or feed coming from an approved establishment are not necessary due to the free circulation of products within the community market.
Related procedures
Requests for health certificates are available on the Guichet.lu website:
- health certificate for the export of food of animal origin
- health certificate for the export of food of non-animal origin or food contact materials
- health certificate for the transport of animals within the European Union(EU) or their export to third countries
- health certificate for the export of feed.
Related documents
The transport and trade of animal and animal products originating from species protected by the CITES convention requires a CITES permit in addition to the health certificate.
For their importation in the EU, live animals and animal products are accompanied by a Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVED).
For their importation in the EU, some food products of non-animal origin require a Common Entry Document (CED).
Some third countries require prior to any importation a free sale certificate for food of non-animal origin or food contact materials.
Related organizations
The Food Safety Unit can issue health certificates for food of non-animal origin or food contact materials, when they are intended for exportation to third countries.
The Administration of Veterinary Services (ASV) issues health certificates for the export and intra-Community transport of live animals and for the export of animal products.
The Administration of Agricultural Technical Services (ASTA) issues health certificates to export feed. When the feed contains animal products, a health certificate by ASV is also needed.
Health certificates are used by all companies that raise, produce, manufacture, process, warehouse, transport and/or distribute these type of products and that desire to export them to third countries.
The competent authorities of the third countries issue the health certificate necessary for importation, in order to make sure that the imported products are compliant with European regulations.