International trade: Customer Information Notes - GEN/08/102
Trade restrictions due to avian influenza (AI) - Hatching eggs
Background
Customer Information Notes GEN 08/93, GEN 08/94 and GEN 08/100 issued on 4, 5 and 11 June 2008 respectively explain the background to the UK avian influenza outbreak which occurred on 3 June 2008 and the subsequent trade issues.
Non-EU Exports
As advised in GEN 08/93, all export health certificates for live poultry and other birds were put on hold and are being released once positive confirmation is received from the veterinary authorities of the destination third country that they are content to accept the consignment. Export health certificates for poultry products are being released as long as no ban is in place, the certificate may be signed and the exporter is aware that the consignment may not be accepted.
This CIN is to confirm the policy with regard to release of export health certificates for hatching eggs.
Certificates for hatching eggs may now be released using the same criteria that apply to products (i.e. based on signability, prior availability, and trade bans, with no official acceptance statement required from importing country) but as for other products, this will be entirely at exporters risk. Animal Health will issue these certificates with a disclaimer.
Where a released certificate covers both hatching eggs AND day old chicks, it must under no circumstances be used to attempt to export live poultry.
The position with regard to live birds remains that no certificate will be released unless confirmation has been received by Defra that the destination country is willing to accept the consignment (GEN 08/98 explains the methods of confirmation that are acceptable).
Information
For the latest information on the trade situation with third countries please see the Defra website.
CIN Circulation List
If you are not receiving this CIN by email and you would like to do so, please send your name and email address to your local AHDO.
Further Enquiries
Any enquiries about exports or this Customer Information Note should be directed to your local Animal Health Office.
Page published: 13 June, 2008