Exporting to EU? New Export Certification Requirements for Food and Animal Commodities

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) advises that effective January 15th, 2022, exporters of food and animal commodities destined for the European Union (EU) must  use updated export certificates. Export certificates can be accessed through the Trade Control and Expert System New Technology (TRACES NT), which serves as the EU’s e-certification system. Exporters should be aware of this change to avoid penalties and delays in moving their products across borders.

In order to prepare industry for the transition to TRACES NT and new export certification requirements, an early adoption approach is being developed with associated details for the stakeholders. As of November 15th, 2021, all dairy exports to the EU will use the new certificates in TRACES NT as a part of early adoption.

Operators of dairy exporting establishments are urged to review the revised EU export certification requirements. Relevant sections of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2235, refer to Chapter 4 of Annex I on the notes for completion of the certificates and Annex III for the EU model certificate applicable to the products exported.

Exporters can also refer to the CFIA webpage: European Union (EU) – Export requirements for milk and dairy products.

Please note that, the applicant must select the corresponding EU certificate model for the intended products for exportation and complete Part I as the first step in the application for export certification, in TRACES NT. Operators will need to include the EU reference IMSOC number (Box I.2.a. of Part I of the certificate) with their export request and provide all relevant information that will be required by the CFIA certifier in order to complete Part II of the EU certificate model.

More information
To learn more about EU requirements and TRACES NT visit – Exporting food and animal products to the European Union – Canadian Food Inspection Agency