Guidelines for the correct compilation of new official health certificates for entry into the Union and movements within the Union of fish products

The Official Journal of the European Union L 442 of 30 December 2020 has published the following two regulations:

• “Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/2235 of 16 December 2020 laying down rules for the application of Regulations (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2017/625 as regards model animal health certificates, model official certificates and model animal health/official certificates, for the entry into the Union and movements within the Union of consignments of certain categories of animals and goods, official certification regarding such certificates and repealing Regulation (EC) No 599/2004, Regulations (EU) No 636/2014 and (EU) 2019/628, Directive 98/68/EC and Decisions 2000/572/EC, 2003/779/EC and 2007/240/EC”.

• “Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2236 of 16 December 2020 laying down rules for the application of Regulations (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards model animal health certificates for the entry into the Union and movements within the Union of consignments of aquatic animals and of certain products of animal origin from aquatic animals, official certification regarding such certificates and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008″.

The two regulations, in 468 pages, define indispensable indications for the correct import and handling of animals and products of animal origin. The regulations are available at the links above.

Therefore, this guide has been prepared, referring to the fish sector, to facilitate consultation of the regulations, facilitate the compilation of health certificates and standardize the application of the new provisions provided for by the European legislator.

Considering the importance of the information reported by Reg. (EU) 2020/2235, the number of indications contained therein and to provide simple, immediate and, above all, updated procedures for the correct compilation of the aforementioned certificates, this “guide” was prepared using the original version of the certificates, published in the O.J.. and integrated with the explanatory notes.

The guide was also translated in English to allow a uniform distribution of information and, consequently, a correct application of the rules  also for companies operating in third Countries.

The regulations enters into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and applies from 21 April 2021.