Health / Veterinary Certificate
An official certificate attesting that animal products meet the health and sanitary requirements of the importing country.
What It Is
A health or veterinary certificate is issued by the official veterinary authority of the exporting country. It certifies that animal-origin products (meat, dairy, eggs, seafood, hides, wool, live animals) have been inspected and meet the sanitary and animal health requirements of the importing country. These certificates follow standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE).
When It's Required
- Animal-origin products — Required for exports of meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, honey, and other animal products
- Live animals — Required for export of livestock, pets, and breeding stock
- Animal by-products — Hides, wool, feathers, bones, and other non-food animal products
- Country-specific — Each importing country sets specific requirements, often with bilateral agreements
- EU imports — The EU requires a TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) electronic certificate for all animal products entering the EU
Required Fields
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Exporter | Name and address of the exporting party |
| Consignee | Name and address of the importing party |
| Veterinary authority | Issuing government veterinary office |
| Country of origin | Country where animals were raised or products were produced |
| Description of products | Species, product type, quantity, and processing method |
| Establishment number | Approved facility registration number |
| Number of packages | Package count, type, and markings |
| Identification marks | Lot numbers, seal numbers, health marks |
| Disease-free attestation | Declaration that products are free from listed diseases |
| Test results | Laboratory test results if required by the importing country |
| Slaughter / production date | Date of processing |
| Authorized veterinarian | Name, signature, and stamp of the certifying veterinarian |
Klervex Validation
Klervex validates that:
- Origin and destination countries are present
- Product descriptions include species and product type
- Establishment number is provided for processed products
- Disease-free attestation is present
- Authorized veterinarian details and signature are included
- Certificate date is within the validity window required by the destination country