Live animals and products from them that are to be moved into the EU within the EU or from a third country must meet specific animal health requirements. This prevents the introduction of animal diseases into the EU or the spread of animal diseases from one EU country to another EU country.
Operators must ensure that animals to be moved to another member state are accompanied by a health certificate (also called a veterinary certificate or TRACES certificate).
The animal health certificate is required
- for the entry of breeding and production animals from a third country into Germany (import) as well as
- for the departure of breeding and production animals from Germany to third countries (countries outside the European Union) (export).
is required.
It provides information on the general health status of a breeding or farm animal.
The requirements for issuing an animal health certificate vary widely. Therefore, contact the responsible office as early as possible. Only if all the requirements are met can it issue a health certificate.
The veterinary certificate must be examined, sealed and signed by an official veterinarian. Before signing, the official veterinarian must verify, based on documentary checks, identity checks and physical checks, that the terrestrial animals kept under the certificate meet the required animal health requirements. If the relevant requirements are met, the health certificate can be issued in TRACES NT and handed over to the operator.