Support Health Attestations for export of products of animal origin and animal by-products
Find out when you might need a Support Health Attestation (SHA) and how to apply for it.
Last updated 30 December 2020
Products of animal origin (POAO) and animal by-products which are exported from Great Britain (GB) to the European Union (EU), including product moved from GB to Northern Ireland (NI), require an export health certificate (EHC) to demonstrate compliance with EU import requirements.
Where POAO originating in NI is intended for further export from GB to the EU, or movement back to NI, then NI to GB movements of POAO may require a Support Health Attestation (SHA) or in some cases a Support Attestation (SA).
An SHA is signed by an Authorised Certifying Officer (CO) and provides the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) assurances to allow completion of the final EHC in GB. It is not required to enter GB, and should therefore only be used where there is a clear need for assurance indicated by a certifying officer in GB.
Apply for a Support Health Attestation
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) have created a digital application system which exporters can use to apply for an SHA.
On DAERA's website, you can also find:
- relevant Support Attestation templates to complete and upload with your application
- the associated guidance notes
- instructions for using the SHA Online system
Apply for a Support Health Attestation online
You should apply for an SHA at least two working days in advance of the date of movement of the product from NI. This is the date of loading of your consignment from premises of dispatch.
Relevant authorities
- SHAs for meat products will be delivered by DAERA Vets in the premises in which they currently have a permanent physical presence. For queries relating to these applications, contact your local DAERA Direct Regional Office.
- Authorised Private Veterinary Practitioners (previously referred to as AVIs) will process all other SHA applications relating to animal by-products, hides/skins, dairy products, meat preparations, meat products and composite products. For queries relating to these applications, contact your nominated Northern Ireland aPVP provider.
- It is anticipated that Local Councils Environmental Health Officers will process SHA applications relating to sea fish, fish and seafood products (eg oysters). For queries relating to these applications, contact your Local Council Offices.
For more information on SHAs, see DAERA's guidance on movement of POAO and animal by-products.
First published 17 December 2020