Exporting food products from the UK has become increasingly complex since Brexit, with new documentation requirements that can catch even experienced exporters off guard. Whether you’re shipping artisan cheeses to France, premium biscuits to Australia, or organic baby food to Canada, getting your Export Health Certificate (EHC) wrong can mean delayed shipments, rejected containers, and frustrated customers.
At Fn Customs Limited, we’ve guided hundreds of food businesses through these export challenges. While we specialise in customs clearance and shipping logistics, we understand that the EHC application process is often the first hurdle our clients face – and getting it right is crucial for everything that follows.
An Export Health Certificate proves your products meet the importing country’s health and safety standards. Without it, your goods won’t clear customs at destination. But the application process varies dramatically depending on whether you’re exporting to the EU, non-EU countries, or moving goods to Northern Ireland. Let’s walk through exactly how to secure this essential certification and how proper planning can save you time, money, and headaches down the line.
What is an Export Health Certificate (EHC) and why do you need it?
An Export Health Certificate is an official document that confirms your food products meet the specific health and safety requirements of your destination country. An export health certificate (EHC) is an official document that confirms your export meets the health requirements of the destination country 1. Overview, and it’s mandatory for most food exports from Great Britain.
The scope extends beyond just animal products. Certain countries, including the EU, require that some UK food and drink exports are certified by a UK certifying authority before being exported. This includes processed foods, dairy products, meat, fish, composite foods, and even some manufactured food and drinks depending on your destination.
Without a valid EHC, your shipment faces immediate rejection at the border, underestimating EHC requirements or submitted incorrect documentation. The certificate isn’t just paperwork – it’s your legal gateway to international markets.
Quick tip: You'll need an EHC for each type of animal or animal product, and product type - if you're exporting a consignment which includes a mix of products. Don't assume one certificate covers your entire shipment if you're exporting multiple product categories. Check here: Register for export health certificate (EHC) online: exporter guidance - GOV.UKAt Fn Customs Limited, while we don’t issue the certificates ourselves, we guide our clients through the entire process. We help you understand which type of EHC you need, connect you with the right certifying authorities, and ensure your export documentation aligns perfectly with your customs clearance requirements.
How much is an export health certificate?
Export Health Certificate costs vary significantly based on your product type and destination country. For food products, expect to pay between £120-£300 per certificate, with additional inspection fees ranging from £150-£400 depending on complexity.
Local authorities or councils can provide export certification for certain products not covered by official EHCs issued by APHA and DAERA, and their fees typically start around £120-£180 for processed foods. For products requiring official veterinary certification through APHA, costs increase substantially due to mandatory inspections.
Additional costs include laboratory testing (if required), emergency processing fees for urgent applications, and potential re-inspection charges if documentation needs correction. If you’re moving live animals or animal products from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, you do not need to pay for them to be inspected and certified under the Movement Assistance Scheme.
Budget planning tip: Always request a detailed quote from your certifying authority before committing to export dates. Factor in 7-10 working days for standard processing, or pay premium rates for expedited service.
The exact cost depends on your specific product classification and destination requirements, so contact your local authority or APHA directly for precise pricing.How to apply for a health certificate in the UK?
The EHC application process has been streamlined significantly since Brexit, but knowing which route to take can save you weeks of delays. The key is understanding whether your product needs certification from APHA (for animal products) or your local authority (for processed foods and non-animal products).
You must apply for an EHC if you’re exporting or moving live animals or animal products from Great Britain to, or through: the EU, non-EU countries, or Northern Ireland. For processed foods and manufactured products, local authorities or councils can provide export certification for certain products not covered by official EHCs issued by APHA.
The application itself uses the EHC Online system, which replaced previous platforms post-Brexit. When you are ready to apply, you will need to register for EHC online, here: Register for export health certificate (EHC) online: exporter guidance – GOV.UK.
At Fn Customs Limited, we’ve guided countless food exporters through this process. While the online system is more user-friendly than before, getting your product classification wrong or missing key documentation requirements can derail your entire export timeline.
Below, we’ll walk you through the complete step-by-step process, plus share the essential links and resources that will save you time and potential costly mistakes.
Step by step application guidance
Step 1: Determine if you need an health certificate
You must apply for an EHC if you’re exporting or moving live animals or animal products from Great Britain to, or through: the EU, non-EU countries, or Northern Ireland. Use the Find an export health certificate tool to search for your specific product and destination. This will show you exactly which certificate you need and any special requirements.
Step 2: Choose your certifying authority
In Great Britain, Local Authority Food Competent Certifying Officers (FCCO) are authorised by APHA to sign certain APHA issued EHCs. For processed foods and manufactured products, your local authority can often provide certification. Contact your local council’s environmental health department to confirm they can handle your product type.
For animal products, you’ll need APHA certification. See step 4.
Step 3: Find and contact your certifier
Before you submit any applications, you need to contact an official vet (OV) or inspector who will certify your EHC. Use the Find a professional to certify export health certificates directory. Book them early – good certifiers get booked up quickly. Or contact your local council to check their requirements.
Quick tip: Many exporters skip this step and find themselves scrambling for a certifier at the last minute. This often leads to delays and higher emergency fees.Step 4: Register for EHC Online
Before you start you’ll need to register for EHC Online using Government Gateway and Defra account. Here: Register for export health certificate (EHC) online: exporter guidance – GOV.UK
The registration process takes about 10 minutes, but allow extra time for account verification.
See the webinars on gov.uk guidance for help with registration and exporting using EHC online.
Step 5: Gather your documentation
Key documents you’ll need include:
- Completed EHC application form
- Product specifications (commodity codes, batch numbers, quantities)
- Import conditions from destination country
- Any laboratory test results (if required)
- Organic or other certification claims documentation
- Commercial invoice and packing list.
Step 6: Submit your application
When you’ve finished all the sections, you’ll be able to select “Check your answers and submit your application” on Get an export health certificate – GOV.UK. The system generates a preview showing exactly how your final certificate will look. Submit at least 7 working days before your planned export date.
Step 7: Arrange inspection and certification
APHA will send your EHC to your OV or inspector 7 working days before your export date, or within one working day if you plan to export in the next 7 working days.
Your certifier will inspect the goods, verify compliance, and sign the certificate. The original certificate must travel with your shipment.
Common pitfall: Many exporters underestimate inspection requirements. Factor in potential laboratory testing time (2-5 additional days) and ensure your products are ready for inspection when the certifier arrives.Without proper guidance through this process, exporters often face costly delays. Incomplete applications, missing documentation, or inspection failures can lead to storage fees exceeding £1,000, missed delivery deadlines, and damaged customer relationships. At Fn Customs Limited, we help our clients navigate these complexities before problems arise, ensuring your export documentation aligns perfectly with your shipping timeline.
What sets us apart
At Fn Customs Agency, we pride ourselves not only on our technical expertise but also on our customer-first approach. We understand that securing an EHC is just the beginning of your export journey. While we don’t issue the certificates ourselves, our expertise lies in ensuring the entire export process flows seamlessly from certification through to final delivery.
Our integrated approach means:
- Export planning coordination – We work backwards from your delivery deadlines to ensure EHC applications are submitted with adequate processing time, preventing costly delays.
- Documentation alignment – Our team ensures your EHC details match perfectly with customs declarations, shipping documents, and destination country requirements.
- Certifier network – Through years of working with food exporters, we’ve built relationships with reliable official veterinarians and local authority certifiers across the UK.
- Real-time support – From EHC application to final customs clearance, we provide updates and guidance at every stage.
Securing an Export Health Certificate doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right partner like Fn Customs Agency, you can streamline the entire process and ensure your goods cross borders hassle free. From applying to ensuring compliance with customs regulations, we`re here to support you every step of the way.
Your products deserve more than just getting across the border – they need to arrive on time, in perfect condition, and ready for immediate distribution. That’s where our customs clearance expertise transforms a complex export process into a competitive advantage for your business.
Ready to streamline your food exports? Contact Fn Customs Limited today. Let us handle the complexities while you focus on growing your international sales.
Below are informative links to help you as a business
Apply for an export health certificate – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Apply for an export health certificate for the EU – GOV.UK
Exports of food and drink | Food Standards Agency
How_to_apply_for_a_health_certificate_to_export_SPS_goods.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Export health certificates and importing food | Export health certificates and importing food | Ealing Council
Useful tips on their responsibilities for Vets and EHO`s
Export of Animals and Animal Products from GB to the EU – Official veterinarians – YouTube