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Export Health Certificates

Answer

We expect an increase in demand for EHCs for animals and animal products of 150-300% which need to be signed off by an Official Vet or in some cases by an Environmental Health Officer. This wide range is due to the lack of clarity on what conditions the EU will apply.

We have analysed the existing number of official vets. Over 6,000 have the general exports qualification. Nearly 700 have recently re-validated their qualifications for food products, who will be active in this field, many part time as part of a portfolio of veterinary activities.

To support the veterinary profession, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has agreed to the use of Certification Support Officers (CSOs). Official vets will still sign off EHCs. The new CSOs will handle some of the preparatory aspects of EHCs, freeing up the official vet’s time and capacity to provide the final assurance required. A training programme will be made available free of charge initially.

In a no deal scenario the increase in demand for EHCs is likely to be closer to 150% due to the imposition of full tariffs and requirement to enter via border inspection posts. EU certificates are also simpler than many third country EHCs and there are likely to be some scale savings from bigger exporters.

Taking into consideration all the above factors, we estimate the market will need increased capacity of about 50 full-time equivalent Official Vets. Our contacts with the veterinary businesses which provide certification services indicate that between the capacity they already have, the use of CSOs, and the ability to bring more vets into the market, it should be able to meet demand.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

197444

Session

2017-19

Subjects

Animals Exports Disease control Veterinary services Export health certificates

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk