A health certificate is an official document issued by the competent authority of an exporting country attesting that a consignment meets the import requirements of the destination market, and is mandatory for products of animal origin such as honey entering the EU.
In trade practice
For Ukrainian honey exports, the health certificate must be drawn up on the EU model form and signed by an official veterinarian authorised by the Ukrainian competent authority. The certificate accompanies the consignment and is presented at the border inspection post as part of the common health entry document procedure. Errors in lot identification, net weight or the certifying officer’s details are among the most frequent causes of consignment holds at EU borders.
In a specification
Contracts for honey and other products of animal origin should specify that the health certificate must correspond exactly to the EU model in force at the time of shipment, with any amendments reflected in the version used.