European Union
The European Union (EU) member countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Library Updates
Export - 5/16/2022, EEU-52: Egg
Export - 5/16/2022, EU-296
Export Requirements
Last update May 16, 2022
Eligible/Ineligible Products
- Eligible Products:
- Egg products that are regulated by FSIS
- Ineligible Products:
Egg products that have not undergone one of the treatments listed under the second (a) of II.2.3. on the EP certificate, coming from the zones listed below, as illustrated in the hyperlinked map in the "zone" column, produced on or after indicated "date of start of ineligibility" are not eligible to export to or transit via the European Union. If a facility is located in multiple zones, the earliest date of ineligibility must be used. Within the zone, egg products processed before the indicated date are eligible. *
Egg Products Intended for Commerce to the European Union
- Flock Certificate:
Plant management must present an Egg Product flock certificate, signed by the accredited veterinarian responsible for animal health at the farm where the eggs for breaking originate, when making application for the Egg Products export certificate. The veterinarian must have Category II accreditation in the State where the flock is located to sign the flock health certificate. If you need assistance locating a private veterinarian with the appropriate accreditation, please utilize the Accredited Veterinarians Search Tool. Applicants may look up the FDA Establishment Identifier (FEI) number for the establishments (farm/shell egg producer) in the FEI Search Portal.
NOTE: This flock certificate is for U.S. use only and should not be sent to the EU. - Labeling Requirements and Identification Marking:
In addition to the general requirements for identification, consignments of egg products, destined not for retail but for use as an ingredient in the manufacture of another product, must have a label giving the temperature at which the egg products must be maintained and the period during which conservation may thus be assured. The label should include a "Best Before Date of DD/MM/YYYY under Storage Temperature of xx C, with the understanding that shelf life and storage conditions are determined by specifications of _________ (name of establishment)." - Sampling:
- The sampling requirements for unpasteurized and finished product laboratory analyses to be completed for each production lot for certification purposes are:
- Organic acid (3 OH-butyric acid and lactic acid)- To provide an adequate amount of product for these analyses, collect a separate sample of unpasteurized product. If the production run involves the processing of liquid unpasteurized egg which is representative of the shell egg broken, an 8-ounce sample is adequate. However, if different storage tanks represent different shell eggs broken or bulk liquid received, an 8-ounce composite from all storage tanks shall be submitted. Unpasteurized albumen intended for drying must be sampled prior to adding culture or adjustment of the pH with a food grade acid(s). The sample must be specifically identified with applicable information for analysis for organic acids. Freeze the sample for shipment. Complete a separate certificate, Form PY-200, to accompany the sample to the laboratory in a separate shipping container. If laboratory results show no detection of organic acids, the results will be recorded as negative. When results are positive, the laboratory will indicate the type and amount of organic acid present.
To be eligible for certification the amount of each organic acid cannot exceed that listed below:
Lactic acid - 1,000 mg/kg
OH-butyric acid - 10 mg/kg
Example of instruction to the laboratory technician: Test for organic acids (3 OH-butyric acid and lactic acid.) - Enterobacteriaceae - Identify in the instructions to the laboratory technician, five samples for individual analysis for enterobacteriaceae. Results for each sample will be reported on the certificate. A lot is not eligible for certification if any result for enterobacteriaceae is reported as more than 100 colony forming units per gram or ml or if more than 2 samples are greater than 10 colony forming units per gram or ml. Example of the instructions to the laboratory technician: Analyze (five samples) sample individually for enterobacteriaceae.
- Extraneous material (egg shell, egg membrane, and other particles) - Collect and identify a separate sample of finished product for analysis for extraneous material. Submit an 8-ounce sample for both pasteurized liquid/frozen or dried product. To be eligible for certification, results cannot exceed 100 mg/kg in finished product. Example of the instructions to the laboratory technician: Analyze for extraneous material.
- Organic acid (3 OH-butyric acid and lactic acid)- To provide an adequate amount of product for these analyses, collect a separate sample of unpasteurized product. If the production run involves the processing of liquid unpasteurized egg which is representative of the shell egg broken, an 8-ounce sample is adequate. However, if different storage tanks represent different shell eggs broken or bulk liquid received, an 8-ounce composite from all storage tanks shall be submitted. Unpasteurized albumen intended for drying must be sampled prior to adding culture or adjustment of the pH with a food grade acid(s). The sample must be specifically identified with applicable information for analysis for organic acids. Freeze the sample for shipment. Complete a separate certificate, Form PY-200, to accompany the sample to the laboratory in a separate shipping container. If laboratory results show no detection of organic acids, the results will be recorded as negative. When results are positive, the laboratory will indicate the type and amount of organic acid present.
To prevent confusion at the laboratory, it is essential that all samples be legibly identified (sample number, code date, name of plant, and the type of analysis to be performed - e.g., microbiological, organic acids, extraneous material). Additionally, the instructions to the laboratory technician must be specific to assure that the necessary analyses are completed.
All samples for this certification must be sent to:
USDA,AMS, Science and Technology National Science Laboratory
801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite B
Gastonia, NC 28054
Telephone: (704) 867-3873Documentation - Required Certificates
Upon receipt of results of laboratory analyses, determine that the lot of product tested is eligible (does not exceed the criteria stated above) for certification, and review of the Flock Certificate to ensure compliance with Animal Health attestations. Each shipment consigned to a destination within the European Union must be accompanied by FSIS Form 9060-5EP, Egg Products Export Certificate of Wholesomeness, the FSIS Letterhead Certificate, and a copy of the PY-200 that identifies lab results.
Additional Certification requirements for all shipments
- The English letterhead certificate should be issued for all shipments and certificates in other languages may be issued upon request of the exporter.
- Apply an export stamp (as shown in 9 CFR 381.104) to each page of the letterhead certificate in a color other than black. The export stamp will show the corresponding FSIS Form 9060-5EP certificate number. Each page of the export certificate must be signed by an FSIS Veterinarian. Applicable statements shall be kept as appropriate and statements which are not relevant, should be marked through (single line through non-applicable text), initialed, dated, and stamped with the Export mark of inspection by the certifying FSIS veterinarian. Only the additional marked through material should be initialed, dated, and stamped by the FSIS veterinarian.
- Exporters should verify that the shipping date on any export certificate or accompanying shipping documents does not precede the FSIS signature date on the certificate. Failure to do so can result in the detention of the shipment at the Port of Entry into the European Union.
- Exporters should ensure that the egg product establishment number on the certificates and the containers is identified exactly as shown in the plants eligible to export to the EU.
- EU requires that the export stamp be applied on the containers.
- For all Replacement certificates please add the following statement on the last page of the letterhead certificate:
"This certificate no________to the EU is issued on (today’s date) is in lieu of certificate no . ___________ dated_____________."
The following letterhead certificate is required for product intended for commerce in the EU. Veterinary Certificate for egg products consigned to the European Community is available in English Requests for certificates in other EU Member State languages should be directed to FSIS at 202-720-0082, , or at ImportExport@usda.gov.
See guidelines to complete the letterhead certificate. - The sampling requirements for unpasteurized and finished product laboratory analyses to be completed for each production lot for certification purposes are:
Egg products for transit through or temporary storage in the European Union
Flock Certificate:
Plant management must present an Egg Product flock certificate, signed by the accredited veterinarian responsible for animal health at the farm where the eggs for breaking originate, when making application for the Egg Products export certificate. The veterinarian must have Category II accreditation in the State where the flock is located to sign the flock health certificate. If you need assistance locating a private veterinarian with the appropriate accreditation, please utilize the Accredited Veterinarians Search Tool. Applicants may look up the FDA Establishment Identifier (FEI) number for the establishments (farm/shell egg producer) in the FEI Search Portal.
NOTE: This flock certificate is for U.S. use only and should not be sent to the EU.
Shipments of U.S. egg products transiting through or being temporarily stored in a European Union member country (including ships' stores) must be accompanied by the:
FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF EGG PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (EP)is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
Plant Eligibility
Plant management seeking EU approval should complete and submit FSIS Form 9080-3, Establishment Application for Export, to IEPDS (Fax (202) 720-7990 or importexport@usda.gov) through FSIS supervisory channels.
NOTE: Establishments that are not using PHIS must submit a fully completed (not including FSIS signatures) 9080-3 Form to the FSIS Proxy for entry into PHIS. Information on sending completed 9080-3 Forms to the FSIS Proxy is available on the FSIS Export Library - Requirements by Country page or by clicking here.
The European Union official website where US approved establishments for export to the EU is available at Establishment Lists - TRACES NT (europa.eu).
The products defined below are eligible for export to the European Union provided that the production systems used to produce them and all pertinent EU requirements are met.
- "Meat" means all parts of domestic bovine animals (including bison) and swine, which are suitable for human consumption. Note: For bison, FDA is the "competent authority" however, since EU considers bison as fresh meat, FSIS conducts plant review and signs export certification.
- "Fresh meat" means meat, including meat vacuum-wrapped or wrapped in a controlled atmosphere, which has not undergone any treatment other than cold treatment to ensure preservation.
- "Poultry meat" means all parts fit for human consumption from domestic birds of the following species: domestic fowl, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks and geese.
- "Fresh poultry meat" means poultry meat, including meat which is vacuum-wrapped or wrapped in a controlled atmosphere, which has not undergone any preservation process other than chilling or freezing.
- "Offal" means fresh meat and fresh poultry meat other than that of the carcass, even if it remains naturally connected to the carcass.
- "Meat preparations" means meat (from carcasses, offal, poultry meat, minced meat, wild game, or rabbit) which have had foodstuffs, seasonings or additives added to them; or which have undergone a treatment insufficient to modify the internal cellular structure of the meat and, thus, does not cause the characteristics of the fresh meat to disappear.
- "Meat products and treated stomachs, bladders and intestines" means products prepared from or with meat, including poultry meat, which has undergone treatment such that the cut surface shows that the product no longer has the characteristics of fresh meat. Treated stomachs, bladders and intestines are considered meat products by the EU. Treatment of these products may include cleaning, salting or drying, and/or heating. Meat extracts and meat powders for human consumption, including concentrated or dried poultry, beef, and pork stock, are considered meat products by the EU and must comply with all meat products requirements. The following are not meat products: meat which has undergone only cold treatment and products such as minced meat, meat in pieces of less than 100 grams, and meat preparations.
- "Minced meat" means meat which has been minced into fragments or passed through a spiral-screw mincer.
- "Other products of animal origin" are (1) rendered animal fat: fat derived from rendering meat, including bones, and intended for human consumption; (2) greaves: the protein-containing residue of rendering, after partial separation of fat and water; (3) gelatin (contact FDA - Dr. Jeff Hamer at jeffrey.hamer@fda.hhs.gov ; and (4) powdered rind, salted or dried blood, salted or dried blood plasma.
- "Farmed game" means land mammals or birds which are not considered as domestic and are not referred to in the definitions of meat or poultry meat, but which are farmed as domestic animals. For further information on FDA regulations covering farmed game, contact Dr. Jeff Hamer at jeffrey.hamer@fda.hhs.gov
- "Wild game" means wild land mammals which are hunted (including wild mammals living within an enclosed area under conditions of freedom similar to those enjoyed by wild game) and wild birds which are not covered by the EU farmed game meat directive.
- Meat, poultry, offal, and giblets intended for pet food manufacture or pharmaceutical processing must comply with the additional denaturing, labeling and certification requirements identified in other sections of this document.
- Ships' Stores
- Ships' Stores: Products intended for ships’ stores in the EU are eligible from any federally inspected establishment. Product must be destined to an authorized bonded storage point.
- Military Shipments
- See Military Tab subsection.
- Fish of the order Siluriformes
- Until further notice, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the competent authority for issuance of certificates for fish of the order Siluriformes to the EU. Please see the NOAA guidelines for EU export certification of fish. Refer to the Military tab for shipments of fish of the order Siluriformes destined for Military use.
- Composite products:
- Food containing both products of plant origin and processed products of animal origin regardless of the percentage of animal product used as an ingredient.
- Lamb and mutton are currently not eligible for export to the European Union. Exporters interested in exporting lamb or mutton to the European Union should contact FSIS at Phone (202) 720-0082 or importexport@usda.gov.
- Eligibility of equine products, including horsemeat, has not been determined at this time. Information will be provided as it becomes available. Until eligibility information is provided, export certification cannot be issued for equine products intended for export to the European Union.
- Poultry meat and poultry meat products produced prior to the ineligibility dates indicated below are eligible for export, however, they must enter the European Union within 90 days of the ineligibility date in order to be allowed entry. Exporters are advised to check with their importers to confirm eligibility of poultry meat and poultry product prior to shipping product from before the ineligibility date.
- Poultry meat and poultry meat products from the states below, produced on or after the indicated date are not eligible to export to or transit via the European Union. Within the state, poultry slaughtered and processed before the indicated date are eligible, unless otherwise noted in one of the restricted zones in the rest of the Ineligible section. *
Zone Date of start of ineligibility State of Colorado April 19, 2022 State of Idaho * May 10, 2022 State of Indiana April 20, 2022 State of Iowa April 21, 2022 State of Michigan * May 10, 2022 State of Minnesota * May 11, 2022 State of Montana April 20, 2022 State of Nebraska April 27, 2022 State of North Dakota April 19, 2022 State of Pennsylvania * May 14, 2022 State of South Dakota May 03, 2022 State of Washington May 05, 2022 State of Wisconsin * May 13, 2022 -
Poultry meat and poultry meat products from the 10 km zones below, produced on or after the indicated date are not eligible to export to or transit via the European Union. If a facility is located in multiple zones, the earliest date of ineligibility must be used. Within the 10 km zones, poultry slaughtered and processed before the indicated date are eligible, unless otherwise noted in one of the restricted zones below.
- Poultry meat and poultry meat products from the states below, produced on or after the indicated date are not eligible to export to or transit via the European Union. Within the state, poultry slaughtered and processed before the indicated date are eligible, unless otherwise noted in one of the restricted zones in the rest of the Ineligible section. *
Certain products such as, but not limited to, those on the following list do not have uniform requirements for import throughout the EU. Please see individual country pages in the export library for information on eligibility and requirements of non-harmonized products.
- Product Samples not for sale
- Test products not for entry into commerce
- Products destined to trade shows
Requirements related to packaging material, wall/floor junctions, wooden pallets, separation of lavatories and work areas, dry storage of non-food material, waste water, separate storage of edible and inedible products, separate storage of packaged and unpackaged products, structural wood, use of suspended showers/sprays/hoses, sterilization of utensils/implements, stunning, batch condemnation, and casings facilities have been removed. Requirements related to employee medical certification and water testing have also been removed.
Establishments must continue to comply with the following requirements:
- Non-comminglement
Establishments that slaughter both animals whose meat is eligible for export to the EU and animals whose meat is not eligible for export to the EU shall comply with the following conditions.- Animals whose meat is intended for export shall be kept separate from animals whose meat is not eligible for export.
- All slaughter, cutting, and packing areas of the establishment shall be cleaned and sanitized before animals whose meat is eligible for export are slaughtered and processed. Personnel shall don clean clothing and wash boots and hands before handling eligible meat.
- Meat intended for export shall not be handled, cut, or otherwise processed in the same room at the same time as meat not eligible for export.
- The packaging of meat intended for export shall be marked to distinguish it from meat not eligible for export. Meat must be stored in a manner that prevents cross contamination.
- Records of the origin of the animals from which the meat was produced shall be retained for a period of three years after export.
- Accommodation for sick and suspect animals
- Wood shall not be used for pens for sick and suspect animals.
- Sick and suspect animals shall not be allowed to come into contact with animals intended for slaughter for export to the EU.
- Pens for sick and suspect animals shall be sited and constructed to preclude contact with animals intended for slaughter for export to the EU, and effluent from such pens shall not flow into adjoining pens or passageways.
- Opening of stomachs and intestines
There must be a separate room for emptying and cleaning stomachs and intestines, unless the processing is done by closed-circuit mechanical equipment which avoids contamination and eliminates odors. - Raw material for pet food manufacture
These products must be derived from animals/birds that passed ante mortem and post mortem inspection at federally inspected establishments and comply with the following applicable EU marking requirements.- Beef and pork raw material derived from non-EU eligible animals and intended for pet food manufacture in the EU must be marked with liquefied charcoal or activated carbon on each side of the frozen block in such a way that the marking covers at least 70% of the diagonal length and is at least 10 cm wide. If the product is marked prior to freezing, it should be marked by spraying with liquefied charcoal or by applying charcoal powder in such a way that the charcoal is clearly visible on the product.
- The marking requirement does not apply to beef and pork raw material for pet food manufacture derived from EU eligible animals. It also does not apply to poultry raw material for pet food manufacture or to raw material intended for pharmaceutical processing regardless of species.
- Ante-mortem Inspection
Ante-mortem inspection will be performed by FSIS in accordance with 9 CFR 309 and according to FSIS procedures.- Cattle
- Cattle under 30 months of age:
- Inspection by an FSIS veterinarian or;
- Ante-mortem inspection may be performed by an official FSIS inspector with appropriate training, knowledge, skills and abilities provided that:
- the animals originate from a premise where an APHIS accredited veterinarian is present on an ongoing basis, and
- a letter from the premise confirming such presence must be on file at the plant.
- Cattle over 30 months of age must be inspected by an FSIS veterinarian.
- Cattle under 30 months of age:
- Swine
- Swine under 1 year of age will be inspected by FSIS in accordance with FSIS procedures.
- Swine over 1 year of age must be inspected by an FSIS veterinarian.
- All animals demonstrating abnormal signs shall be diagnosed and disposed of by an FSIS veterinarian.
- Cattle
- Bison and SRM Removal
Since U.S. BSE regulations do not apply to bison, meat and meat products derived from these species for export to the EU must be produced under an approved AMS EV program. Bison slaughtered for export to the EU must comply with this requirement Information about the EV program for bison and a list of EV approved suppliers can be obtained from AMS' Website.
If FSIS inspection personnel become aware of concerns that an AMS approved EV establishment is not properly executing its EV program, AMS should be notified at QAD.AuditService@usda.gov. Inspection personnel should include their immediate supervisor on messages to AMS. The following information should be included in the message:- Establishment name, address, and establishment number
- Product type, product code, and quantity of product
- Date of production, lot number, and shift
- Date and nature of observation
- Name of country product is intended for export
- Export certificate number (if applicable)
- Any other information to verify claim
- Name of inspection official
- Trichinae
- Attestations
The following attestations are present on letterhead certificates for meat, meat products, and meat preparations containing pig meat for entry into the EU:- For those containing domesticated pig meat:
"the meat fulfils the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 2015/1375 laying down specific rules on official controls for Trichinella in meat, and in particular: either [has been subjected to an examination by a digestion method with negative results] or [has been subjected to a freezing treatment in accordance with Annex II to Regulation (EC) No2015/1375]." - For those containing wild boar meat:
"the meat fulfils the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 2015/1375 laying down specific rules on official controls for Trichinella in meat, and in particular, has been subject to an examination by a digestion method with negative results."
- For those containing domesticated pig meat:
- Verification activity
The IIC will review the establishment's written control program to determine if it is adequate to maintain the required controls. FSIS inspection personnel will perform random checks of these procedures in operation as well as checks of the records maintained by plant management. If problems are observed in the program during the checks, IEPDS should be notified through supervisory channels. Meat produced during this time should not be certified for export to the EU. - Required controls:
- The pork has tested negative for Trichinella spp. by a digestion method assay as described in FSIS Compliance Guideline for the Prevention and Control of Trichinella and Other Parasitic Hazards in Pork Products; or
- The raw pork or products were or are derived from raw pork that was subject to a freezing process validated by FSIS that guarantees the destruction of the parasite Trichinella spiralis, as described in FSIS Compliance Guideline for the Prevention and Control of Trichinella and Other Parasitic Hazards in Pork Products.
- Attestations
- Antimicrobial Treatments
With the exception of lactic acid solutions used on bovine or bison carcasses, antimicrobial treatments (for example, hyper chlorination, TSP, citric or ascorbic acids, etc.) are not allowed for treatment of red meat or poultry carcasses, parts or viscera. Only the application of water, recycled hot water or steam is permitted. Use of recycled hot water is only permitted when integrated into the facilities HACCP system and applied consistently with Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/1474.
Note: The EU regulation which allows the use of recycled hot water to remove microbiological surface contamination from carcasses becomes effective September 18, 2015. Provided they meet all other export requirements for export to the EU, the entire carcass or half carcasses of domestic ungulates and farmed game treated with recycled hot water on or after September 18, 2015 can be certified for export by FSIS.- Conditions of use of recycled hot water to remove microbiological surface contamination from whole or half carcasses of domestic ungulates and farmed game at the slaughterhouse.
- Recycled hot water must:
- Be obtained from heating ad recycling potable water in a closed and separated system;
- Be submitted to:
- A minimal heating temperature/time regime before its application on carcasses which must ensure compliance with microbiological parameters of the potable water; and
- A renewal regime at the appropriate frequency including, where necessary, skimming of gross particles, filtration and addition of potable water, which must ensure compliance with the chemical parameters of potable water
- Be only applied on entire carcasses or half carcasses of domestic ungulates and farmed game, under controlled and verified conditions;
- Not be applied to carcasses with visible fecal contamination;
- Not result in any irreversible physical modification of the meat;
- Be performed before the carcasses are placed in the chilling or refrigeration room;
Note: The conditions in points (b) and (c) above must be integrated in the procedures based on the HACCP principles including at least the criteria set out in section 2:
- Minimum HACCP criteria and control parameters:
- Sampling of carcasses for the purpose of assess compliance within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 must be carried out before the application of recycled hot water on carcasses;
- The minimal heating temperature/time regime applied to recycled water before its application on carcasses must be continuously monitored by instrumental measurements, documented and recorded;
- The compliance of the recycled water applied on carcasses with the microbiological and chemical parameters set up for potable water must be verified periodically by testing of water, documented and recorded;
- The compliance of the recycled water applied on carcasses with indicator parameter of Clostridium perfringens set up for potable water must be verified by periodic monitoring, documented and recorded
- Recycled hot water must:
- Conditions of use of lactic acid to reduce microbiological surface contamination of bovine and bison carcasses, half carcasses or quarters at the slaughterhouse. The EU does not permit the use of lactic acid on cuts or trimmings.
- Lactic acid solutions must:
- only be applied on entire carcasses or half-carcasses or quarters of meat from domestic bovine animals (including Bison species) at the slaughterhouse.
- only be applied either by spraying or misting using from 2% to 5% lactic acid solution in potable water at temperatures of up to a maximum of 55°C.
- be applied under controlled and verifiable conditions integrated as part of the HACCP plan that include
- verification by periodic monitoring, documenting and recording the lactic acid concentration during treatment; and
- continuous monitoring by instrumental measurements, documenting and recording the temperature of the lactic acid solution during treatment.
- not be applied to carcasses with visible fecal contamination.
- The application of lactic acid solutions must not result in any irreversible physical modification of the meat.
- Establishments utilizing lactic acid within a HACCP-based management system must maintain documentation that validates the antimicrobial efficacy of the lactic acid treatments under their specific processing conditions and verify the lactic acid concentration, temperature of application and other factors affecting the efficacy of lactic acid as a decontaminating agent. The establishments must inform the EU facility receiving the treated carcasses, half-carcasses or quarters of such use. This information should be documented.
- Lactic acid solutions must:
- Conditions of use of recycled hot water to remove microbiological surface contamination from whole or half carcasses of domestic ungulates and farmed game at the slaughterhouse.
- Poultry Chilling
- Immersion chilling of carcasses must meet the following requirements:
- Carcasses must move through the chiller against a counter flow of water.
- Recirculation of chiller water is not allowed.
- The temperature of the water in the chiller must not exceed 61° F at the carcass entry and 40° F at the carcass exit.
- The following amounts of water are required per bird:
Bird Size Inside/Outside washer Chiller < 5.5 lb. 0.40 gal. 0.65 gal. 5.5 to 11 lb. 0.65 gal. 1.00 gal. > 11 lb. 0.90 gal. 1.50 gal. - Water consumption during carcass washing and immersion chilling, temperature of the water at the entrance and exit points of the chiller, and the number of carcasses in each weight range must be measured and recorded.
- Alternative chilling systems to V.A.1-5. may be used if they demonstrate a decreased microbial load for: aerobic plate counts; enterobacteriaceae; and E. coli before and after chilling. FSIS will validate and assess the data before the establishment is proposed for listing for export to the EU. This validation and assessment shall be carried out without the use of antimicrobial treatment, throughout a full day's production.
During the course of the day, plant management should select 30 or more carcasses prior to entry into the chiller and the same number of carcasses at the exit of the chiller. Samples should be taken randomly throughout a day's production. Whole bird rinses should be used for sample collection. Analysis of samples should be done using an AOAC International approved method. Plant management should submit a report of the assessment and results to FSIS at Phone (202) 720-0082 or importexport@usda.gov.
This assessment shall be carried out each time any changes are made to a plant's chilling system. Records shall be kept of the validation and assessments and shall be available to the EU. - Poultry temperature requirements
- Poultry shall be chilled to an internal temperature of 40° F in the shortest time possible after slaughter.
- In the case of small birds (up to 6 pounds), the internal temperature of 40° F shall be achieved by the end of the immersion chilling process.
- Where crushed ice is used to chill large birds (over 6 pounds) after immersion chilling, such use must not result in cross contamination of the product. The use of boxes with leak holes for this purpose is not acceptable.
- When further processing (cutting) occurs after poultry has been chilled to 40° F, the internal temperature may exceed 40°F for a maximum of one hour, but may not exceed 50° F.
- Poultry shall be chilled to an internal temperature of 40° F in the shortest time possible after slaughter.
- Crushed ice
- The use of crushed ice must not result in cross contamination of the product. When crushed ice is used for further transport or storage, stacking of boxes with leak-holes or other practices which could result in cross contamination shall be prohibited.
- Immersion chilling of carcasses must meet the following requirements:
- Residue Testing
All samples collected under the EU Additional Residue Testing Program will be forwarded to an AMS approved laboratory for screening.- All slaughter establishments approved for export of poultry, meat and/or offal to the EU are required to participate in the EU Additional Residue Testing Program.
The FSIS coordinates the additional residue testing program for products destined to the EU. However, AMS has set up the Laboratory Approval Program for export where they provide information on approved laboratories which conduct the required residue testing. The Official Listing of USDAApproved Laboratories Export Laboratory Approval Program is available on the AMS Website. - The cost of analysis is the responsibility of the establishment management, including analytical costs for test samples of Bison imported for slaughter. Questions concerning analytical costs may be addressed directly to the laboratories participating in the program. Test samples for U.S. born and raised Bison, covered by the FDA, must be sent to. Bureau Veritas Laboratories, Burnaby, BC, Canada, phone (604) 734-7276.
- The species, target compounds, and numbers of samples to be collected are listed in the table below. The targeted number of samples for each species is based on the total number of head slaughtered by all EU approved establishments of the species from the previous year. The number of samples to be collected at each establishment will be predicated by the number and the volume of EU destined product slaughtered.
Table 1: EU Residue Sampling Frequency for Pork, Steers/Heifers, Wild Boars and Turkey
Table 2: EU Residue Frequency for Bison. This plan is designed by FDA. The sample forms, supplies and collection of the samples are the same with the exception that a portion of samples (project code with a suffix of "_DEN") will be forwarded to a FDA laboratory for analysis instead of one of the AMS approved laboratories. Only U.S. born and raised Bison are eligible for the "_Den" testing. Contact Andrew Yeung at (240) 402-1541 with questions. The FDA laboratory address is as follows: FDA/ Denver Laboratory - Sample Custodian, 6th & Kipling St., DFC, BLDG 20, Entrance W-10, Denver, CO 80225.
Note: If the establishment is slaughtering imported Bison on the day IPP have scheduled the __Den" residue sampling task, IPP are to reschedule the sample for a day when a sample from U.S. born and raised Bison can be collected and submitted for analysis. - Each EU approved slaughter establishment must make arrangements with one of the AMS approved laboratories in order to perform analyses included in this testing program. The analytes and methods are listed in Table 3: EU Analytes and Methods. Contact FSIS, Phone (202) 720-0082, for assistance.
- Sampling tasks will be assigned to EU approved slaughter establishments periodically throughout the year via laboratory sample tasks in the Public Health Information System (PHIS). The FSIS Inspector-In-Charge (IIC) assigned to the establishment will receive an Alert notifying them of the sample, and the sampling task will be visible on the Task List of the Task Calendar in PHIS. The EU sampling task will be scheduled in the Task Calendar. The sampling task will designate the date that samples are to be collected, the tissue to be collected, the code for the residue which will be analyzed, and the laboratory designated to perform the analysis. IIC will print the sample request form and send it along with the sample to the designated laboratory. Below is a chart showing the Project Codes, Species, and Samples to be collected for each analysis.
Note: Samples with the "_Den" or suffix are not to be mailed on Friday.Project Code Project Name Analysis EU_01_BI EU_01_Bison - Urine Residues Stilbenes/Resorcyclic Acid Lactones EU_02_BI_DEN EU_02_Bison - Muscle/Liver/Kidney Residues Multi-Residue Method EU_04_BO EU_04_Wild Boar - Kidney/Muscle Residues Lead/Cadmium EU_07_BI EU_07 Bison - Kidney Fat MGA EU_07_SH EU_07_Steer/Heifer - Kidney Fat/Liver/Muscle Residues MGA/Ractopamine/Zilpaterol EU_09_SH EU_09_Steer/Heifer - Urine Residues Zeranol/Taleranol EU_12_BI EU_12_Bison - Muscle Residues Nitrofurans EU_14_BI EU_14_Bison - Urine Residues Trenbolone EU_14_SH EU_14_Steer/Heifer - Urine Residues Trenbolone EU_15_MH EU_15_Market Hogs - Muscle Residues Ractopamine EU_15_TU EU_15_Turkey - Muscle Residues Ractopamine - The IIC is responsible for collecting, securing and freezing the samples. Samples must be taken from EU-eligible animals only. Please collect 200 ml of urine and 200 gm of muscle, kidney or fat. These samples will be sent frozen to the designated lab via overnight express mail in containers provided by the slaughter establishment, at the expense of the slaughter establishment. Sample selection and shipment of the samples cannot be delegated to plant management. When samples are sent out of the United States for analyses, plant management must use a company that will deliver perishable products in a timely fashion and must provide International airbills. To avoid unnecessary delays, include all appropriate documents for entry into the country where the samples are destined.
- Any questions related to sample collection under the EU Additional Residue Testing Program should be directed to FSIS at Phone (202) 720-0082.
- All slaughter establishments approved for export of poultry, meat and/or offal to the EU are required to participate in the EU Additional Residue Testing Program.
- Non-Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC) Program: Beef and Veal (An NHTC program is not required for bison.)
All bovine meat exported to the European Union must originate from animals that have never been treated with hormonal growth promotants. In order for FSIS to provide export certification for this product, there must be assurances that there are effective controls in all phases of production, from birth to slaughter, and subsequent processing and final packaging activities. FSIS has developed guidelines for the industry, which provide the system requirements and components of the program (Program for Certifying Non-hormone Treated Beef to the European Union).
Each phase of the production of these animals will maintain a written control program that describes the procedures for maintaining identity of and segregating non-hormone treated cattle, as well as the controls that are in place to prevent the administration of restricted compounds to the animals. The documented system will be audited by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), or by an AMS-accredited independent third party. AMS has developed instructions providing the general policies and procedures for providing service under the NHTC Program 1013 Procedure Instructions.- Beef and veal production
- Each phase of the production of these cattle, from birth through delivery at the slaughter establishment, must receive third party verification prior to FSIS certifying NHTC to the EU.
- A copy of a signed producer affidavit certifying that the animals have never been treated with hormonal growth promotants must accompany each lot of cattle presented to the slaughter establishment. This affidavit can be transmitted electronically or by facsimile, but must be available when the shipment of cattle arrives at the establishment.
- All cattle must be slaughtered and processed in a federally inspected establishment approved for production of products destined for the EU.
- Each establishment must have a written program and procedures in place that will assure the production and shipment of product derived from animals that have never been administered hormonal growth promotants. AMS (or an AMS accredited independent third party) will review the program documentation for receiving cattle into the beef slaughter operations to ensure adequacy and continuity of animal identification procedures from the producer to the slaughter facility. Contact AMS, ARC Branch for additional information regarding this program and to schedule the initial compliance review, which will be coordinated with the FSIS in-plant inspection personnel will ensure adequacy of the controls through the slaughter and processing establishment and will maintain operational oversight in the establishment.
- Dairy/breeding cow product production
Pending further discussion with the EU, cow meat and cow offal will not be eligible for export to the EU unless it is produced according to the NHTC program guidelines referenced above. - In-process Controls
Each establishment involved in the production of NHTC beef must maintain documentation in accordance with an approved written control program and follow procedures that will assure the production and shipment of product derived from non-hormone treated cattle. Mandatory in-plant controls include:- Plant management must maintain documents to record the number of animals presented for slaughter and the number of animals slaughtered under EU mode of production.
- Product destined for the EU must be appropriately identified and segregated throughout production according to the establishment's written control program.
- Slaughter establishments must perform 100% palpation of the ears for hormone implants of all cattle or veal to be slaughtered under the NHTC program. This is to be done with the oversight of the FSIS/IIC.
- Slaughter establishments must issue an affidavit confirming the non-hormone treated status of meat shipped to cutting plants without an EU Health Mark applied in a tamper evident fashion. Adequate records supporting control of product transferred to separate processing facilities and cold storage warehouses must be maintained by plant management.
- FSIS Inspector-in-Charge Responsibilities (IIC Procedures)
The IIC will verify that the establishment's written control program is adequate to maintain product and identification controls throughout the slaughter, fabrication, processing, packaging process, to the point that the EU Health Mark is applied in a tamper evident fashion. FSIS inspection personnel will perform random checks of these procedures in operation throughout the EU production, as well as checks of the records maintained by plant management. In addition, FSIS will check company records, when necessary, to verify proper transfer for subsequent storage prior to certification of the product to the EU. Compliance oversight by FSIS includes:- Familiarity with the establishment's written control program.
- Verification that the NHTC lot comes from an AMS approved premise. The affidavit will be reviewed to confirm that it complies with the parameters outlined in the establishment's written control program, including animal identification and authorized affidavit signer controls. The affidavit can be transmitted electronically or by facsimile but must be available for the verification check at the time the shipment of cattle arrives at the slaughter establishment. Cattle arriving at the slaughter establishment without adequate identification or certification (producer affidavit) will not be permitted to be slaughtered for the EU until the deficiency is corrected according to the company's control procedures.
- Performing additional random procedures to determine compliance with the program. Procedures will include all aspects from receiving through shipping and may include observation, review of records, or both. All records from an entire lot of product will be reviewed on a periodic basis. Reviewed records will be signed and dated.
- If there is noncompliance with EU requirements or with the establishment's control program, the IIC will notify management and request correction of the deficiency. If a deficiency is not corrected, the IIC will withhold the EU health mark label (or brand). The labels (or brand) will be returned to the IIC and secured until correction is made. The IIC will document the noncompliance.
- If repeated deficiencies occur, or a non-compliance is not corrected in a reasonable time period, FSIS, Phone (202) 720-0082 shall be notified through supervisory channels.
- Beef and veal production
- Pork for the European Union (PFEU) Program
All pork exported to the EU must originate from animals that have never been treated with hormonal growth promotants. In order for FSIS to provide export certification for this product, there must be assurances that there are effective controls in all phases of production in growing the animal, as well as at the slaughter establishment. FSIS has developed guidelines for the industry, which provide the system requirements and components of the program (Program for Certifying Pork Intended for Export to the EU). Though each phase of production (or ownership stage) will have to demonstrate that their system controls are adequate, emphasis will be placed on the controls at the finishing unit to ensure ractopamine hydrochloride (ractopamine) is not fed. The documented system will be audited by AMS (or by an AMS-accredited independent third party). AMS has developed instructions providing general policies and procedures for providing services under the PFEU Program for QAD Procedure 1014.- Pork production
- Pork production systems finishing hogs for the production of meat intended for export to the EU must receive third party verification through delivery to the slaughter establishment.
- Each lot of hogs presented to the slaughter establishment must be accompanied by a signed producer affidavit certifying that the animals have never been fed ractopamine. (Example of Pork Producer Affidavit). This affidavit can be transmitted electronically or by facsimile but must be available when the shipment of hogs arrives at the establishment.
- All hogs must be slaughtered and processed in a federally inspected establishment approved for production of products destined for the EU.
- Each establishment must have a written program and procedures in place that will assure the production and shipment of product derived from animals that have never been administered hormonal growth promotants. AMS (or an AMS accredited independent third party) will review the program documentation for receiving hogs into the pork slaughter operations to ensure adequacy and continuity of animal identification procedures from the producer to the slaughter facility. Contact AMS, LP for additional information regarding this program and to schedule the initial compliance review, which will be coordinated with the FSIS OPPD IEPDS. FSIS in-plant inspection personnel will ensure adequacy of the controls through the slaughter and processing establishment and will maintain operational oversight in the establishment.
- In-process Controls
Each establishment involved in the production of pork must maintain documentation in accordance with an approved written control program and follow procedures that will assure the production and shipment of product derived from hogs that have not been fed ractopamine. Mandatory in-plant controls include:- Plant management must maintain documents to record the number of animals presented for slaughter and the number of animals slaughtered under EU mode of production.
- Product destined for the EU must be appropriately identified and segregated throughout production according to the establishment's written control program.
- Slaughter establishments must issue an affidavit confirming the eligibility of the pork for export to the EU, if carcasses are transferred to a separate cutting plant without an EU Health Mark applied in a tamper evident fashion (Example of Transfer Affidavit). Adequate records supporting control of product transferred to separate processing facilities and cold storage warehouses must be maintained by plant management.
- FSIS Inspector-in-Charge Responsibilities (Pork IIC Procedures)
The IIC will verify that the establishment's written control program to determine if it is adequate to maintain product and identification controls throughout the slaughter, fabrication, processing, packaging process, to the point that the EU Health Mark is applied in a tamper evident fashion. FSIS inspection personnel will perform random checks of these procedures in operation throughout the EU production, as well as checks of the records maintained by plant management. In addition, FSIS will check company records, when necessary, to verify proper transfer for subsequent storage prior to certification of the product to the EU. Compliance oversight by FSIS includes:- Familiarity with the establishment's written control program.
- Verification that the PFEU lot comes from an AMS approved premise. The affidavit will be reviewed to confirm that it complies with the parameters outlined in the establishment's written control program, including lot identification and authorized affidavit signer controls. The affidavit can be transmitted electronically or by facsimile but must be available for the verification check at the time the shipment of hogs arrives at the slaughter establishment. Hogs arriving at the slaughter establishment without adequate identification or certification (producer affidavit) will not be permitted to be slaughtered for the EU until the deficiency is corrected according to the company's control procedures.
- Performing additional random procedures to determine compliance with the program. Procedures will include all aspects from receiving through shipping and may include observation, review of records, or both. All records from an entire lot of product will be reviewed on a periodic basis. Reviewed records will be signed and dated.
- If there is noncompliance with EU requirements or with the establishment's control program, the IIC will notify management and request correction of the deficiency. If a deficiency is not corrected, the IIC will withhold the EU health mark label (or brand). The labels (or brand) will be returned to the IIC and secured until correction is made. The IIC will document the noncompliance.
- If repeated deficiencies occur, or a non-compliance is not corrected in a reasonable time period, FSIS OPPD IEPDS shall be notified through supervisory channels at Phone (202) 720-0082 or importexport@usda.gov.
- Pork production
- Poultry Export Verification (PEV)
All poultry (including turkey) exported to the EU must originate from birds that were produced under an approved AMS Poultry Export Verification (PEV) program. In the case of turkeys, the PEV program must include controls at the finishing unit to ensure ractopamine hydrochloride (ractopamine) is not fed. In order for FSIS to provide export certification for this product, there must be assurances that there are effective controls in all phases of production in growing the birds, as well as at the slaughter establishment. AMS has developed instructions providing general policies and procedures for providing services under the PEV Program. This information is available on AMS' website for QAD 1063 Procedures.- Poultry Production
- Poultry for the production of meat intended for export to the EU must receive verification through the AMS PEV program.
- Each lot of birds presented to the slaughter establishment must be accompanied by a signed producer affidavit certifying that the birds comply with PEV requirements. This affidavit can be transmitted electronically or by facsimile but must be available when the shipment of birds arrives at the establishment.
- All birds must be slaughtered and processed in a federally inspected establishment approved for production of products destined for the EU.
- Each establishment must have a written program and procedures in place that will assure the production and shipment of product derived from birds that have been produced according to the PEV program. AMS will review the program documentation for receiving birds into the poultry slaughter operation to ensure adequacy and continuity of bird identification procedures from the producer to the slaughter facility. FSIS in-plant inspection personnel will ensure adequacy of the controls through the slaughter and processing establishment and will maintain operational oversight in the establishment.
- In-process Controls
Each establishment involved in the production of poultry must maintain documentation in accordance with an approved written control program and follow procedures that will assure the production and shipment of product derived from birds that have been produced under the AMS PEV program. Mandatory in-plant controls include:- Plant management must maintain documents to record the number of birds presented for slaughter and the number of birds slaughtered under EU mode of production.
- Product destined for the EU must be appropriately identified and segregated throughout production according to the establishment's written control program.
- Slaughter establishments must issue an affidavit confirming the eligibility of the poultry for export to the EU, if poultry is transferred to a separate further processing plant without an EU Health Mark applied in a tamper evident fashion Adequate records supporting control of product transferred to separate processing facilities and cold storage warehouses must be maintained by plant management.
- FSIS Inspector-in-Charge Responsibilities
The IIC will verify that the establishment's written control program to determine if it is adequate to maintain product and identification controls throughout the slaughter, processing, packaging process, to the point that the EU Health Mark is applied in a tamper evident fashion. FSIS inspection personnel will perform random checks of these procedures in operation throughout the EU production, as well as checks of the records maintained by plant management. In addition, FSIS will check company records, when necessary, to verify proper transfer for subsequent storage prior to certification of the product to the EU. Compliance oversight by FSIS includes:- Familiarity with the establishment's written control program.
- Verification that the live birds come with a PEV affidavit. The affidavit will be reviewed to confirm that it complies with the parameters outlined in the establishment's written control program, including lot identification and authorized affidavit signer controls. The affidavit can be transmitted electronically or by facsimile but must be available for the verification check at the time the shipment of birds arrives at the slaughter establishment. Birds arriving at the slaughter establishment without adequate identification or certification (PEV affidavit) will not be permitted to be slaughtered for the EU until the deficiency is corrected according to the company's control procedures.
- Performing additional random procedures to determine compliance with the program. Procedures will include all aspects from receiving through shipping and may include observation, review of records, or both. All records from an entire lot of product will be reviewed on a periodic basis.
- If there is noncompliance with EU requirements or with the establishment's control program, the IIC will notify management and request correction of the deficiency. If a deficiency is not corrected, the IIC will withhold the EU health mark label. The labels will be returned to the IIC and secured until correction is made. The IIC will document the noncompliance.
- If repeated deficiencies occur, or a non-compliance is not corrected in a reasonable time period, FSIS OPPD IEPDS should be notified through supervisory channels, at Phone (202) 720-0082, or importexport@usda.gov.
- Poultry Production
- MEAT PRODUCTS INCLUDING STOMACH, BLADDERS, AND INTESTINES (EXCLUDING CASINGS)
Establishments treating stomachs, bladders and intestines must ensure compliance with the following requirements:- Animal intestines, bladders and stomachs may be exported to the EU only if:
- They derive from animals which have been slaughtered in a slaughterhouse, and which have been found fit for human consumption following ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection;
- They are salted, heated or dried; and
- After the treatment referred to in (b), effective measures are taken to prevent re-contamination.
- Treated stomachs, bladders and intestines that cannot be kept at ambient temperature must be stored/chilled using facilities intended for that purpose until their dispatch. In particular, products that are not salted or dried must be kept at a temperature of not more than 3°C.
- Animal intestines, bladders and stomachs may be exported to the EU only if:
- MEAT PRODUCTS INCLUDING RENDERED ANIMAL FATS AND GREAVES
Establishments processing rendered animal fats and greaves must ensure compliance with the following requirements:- Raw materials must:
- Be derived from animals which have been slaughtered in a slaughterhouse, and which have been found fit for human consumption following ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection;
- consist of adipose tissues or bones, which are reasonably free from blood and impurities;
- comes from an EU approved establishment; and
- be transported, and stored until rendering, in hygienic conditions and at an internal temperature of not more than 7 °C. However, raw materials may be stored and transported without active refrigeration if rendered within 12 hours after the day on which they were obtained.
- During rendering the use of solvents is prohibited.
- When the fat for refining meets the standards laid down in point 4, rendered animal fat prepared in accordance with points 1 and 2 may be refined in the same establishment or in another establishment with a view to improving its physico-chemical quality.
- Rendered animal fat, depending on type, must meet the following standards:
Ruminants Porcine animals Other animal fat Edible tallow Tallow for refining Edible fat Lard and other fat for refining Edible For refining Premier
jus (1)Other Lard (2) Other FFA (m/m% oleic
acid) maximum0.75 1.25 3.0 0.75 1.25 2.0 1.25 3.0 Peroxide maximum 4 meq/kg 4 meq/kg 6 meq/kg 4 meq/kg 4 meq/kg 6 meq/kg 4 meq/kg 10 meq/kg Total insoluble
impuritiesMaximum 0.15% Maximum 0.5% Odour, taste, colour Normal - Rendered animal fat obtained by low-temperature rendering of fresh fat from the heart, caul, kidneys and mesentery of bovine animals, and fat from cutting rooms.
- Rendered animal fat obtained from the adipose tissues of porcine animals.
- Greaves intended for human consumption must be stored in accordance with the following temperature requirements.
- When greaves are rendered at a temperature of not more than 70°C, they must be stored:
- at a temperature of not more than 7°C for a period not exceeding 24 hours; or
- at a temperature of not more than -18°C.
- When greaves are rendered at a temperature of more than 70°C and have a moisture content of 10% (m/m) or more, they must be stored:
- at a temperature of not more than 7°C for a period not exceeding 48 hours or a time/temperature ratio giving an equivalent guarantee; or
- at a temperature of not more than -18°C.
- When greaves are rendered at a temperature of more than 70°C and have a moisture content of less than 10% (m/m), there are no specific requirements.
- When greaves are rendered at a temperature of not more than 70°C, they must be stored:
- Raw materials must:
- Source of Raw Material
- Cutting and processing plants intending to prepare products for export to the EU must source meat or poultry ingredients from EU approved slaughter establishments. The raw material must be eligible for export to the EU and bear the EU health mark. Raw meat and poultry material may be imported into the United States and used for EU production provided it is eligible for export to the EU and bears the EU health mark. The product must also be eligible for importation into the United States.
- Meat and poultry materials used to produce products exported to the EU must be handled exclusively in facilities approved for the EU, including official import establishments and cold storage facilities. The establishment must have a control plan to ensure that the product is appropriately identified and segregated throughout production, was sourced from an EU approved facility, meets all EU requirements, and has been handled exclusively in EU approved facilities. Establishment records must include a transfer affidavit for domestically slaughtered product as stated in the PFEU, NHTC, and PEV program requirements above. The control plan and implementation of the plan will be verified by the IIC.
- If there is noncompliance with EU requirements or with the establishment's control plan, the IIC will notify management and request correction of the deficiency. If a deficiency is not corrected, the IIC will withhold the EU health mark label (or brand) and refuse export certification services for the product. The labels (or brand) will be returned to the IIC and secured until correction is made. The IIC will document the noncompliance.
- If repeated deficiencies occur, or a non-compliance is not corrected in a reasonable time, the IIC will notify FSIS OPPD IEPDS through supervisory channels at Phone (202) 720-0082 or, Email importexport@usda.gov.
- Labeling
- Health Marks
- Health mark labels must be applied to each carton of product in such a manner that the health mark label is destroyed when the package is opened. The health mark label must bear the following information:
- The oval mark must be 2.5 inches (6.5cm) wide by 1.8 inches (4.5cm) high.
- within the oval:
- in the center - the establishment number.
- in the upper or lower part - the letters USA.
- the letters must be at least 0.3 in (0.8 cm) high and the numbers should be at least 0.4 in (1 cm) high.
- a sequential serial number that is unique to each health mark label for that establishment.
- Health Mark for Wild Game
The health mark for wild game must be pentagonal shaped rather than oval. The pentagonal mark should be similar in size and bear the same information as the oval mark as indicated above. For information concerning the marking of small wild game, contact FSIS at Phone (202) 720-0082 - The health mark labels and brands must be kept under security by the IIC in a manner analogous to USDA brands. The IIC is responsible for maintaining an inventory of the health mark labels. Health mark labels should be given to plant management only while eligible products are being identified and marked and only for the length of time necessary to complete the task.
- Meat carcasses must be stamped with ink or hot branded using a stamp or brand with the specifications described in A.1. and A.2. Those carcasses weighing more than 143 pounds (65 kg) must be stamped in at least the following places: external surface of the thighs, loins, back, brisket, and shoulder. Other carcasses must be marked in at least four places: on the shoulders and on the external surface of the thighs. Carcass stamping is not required if the carcasses are slaughtered, cut and packaged within the same establishment. Plant management must assure, to the satisfaction of the IIC, that proper identification of eligible carcasses is maintained throughout the establishment.
- Health mark labels must be applied to each carton of product in such a manner that the health mark label is destroyed when the package is opened. The health mark label must bear the following information:
- Beef Labeling - Additional labeling information must be present on fresh, chilled, or frozen beef arriving in the EU as of January 1, 2002. The labeling requirement applies to all beef intended for human consumption, with the exception of processed products and offal other than thin skirt and thick skirt. The beef must be labeled as follows:
- Exporters must display the following information on labels attached to an individual piece or pieces of meat or to their packaging material:
Note: Minced meat should indicate: "Prepared in the United States".- A reference number that links the meat with the individual animal from which it originates. In the case of meat derived from a group of animals with a homogeneous background, which enables the accuracy of the information to be checked, the reference number can link the meat with the group of animals rather than an individual animal. For the purposes of this labeling requirement, the size of a group of animals is limited to one day's production. There is no specific requirement for the format of the reference number as long as it provides linkage to the animal or group of animals and the origin premises.
- The phrase "Slaughtered in the United States: (FSIS slaughter establishment number).
- The phrase "Cutting in the United States: (FSIS cutting establishment number).
- The phrase "Origin: United States" if the animals were born, raised and slaughtered in the United States. In the case of imported animals, the countries of birth and of feeding must be indicated. If the animals were raised in a country other than the United States for less than 30 days, an indication of the other country is not required. (EU implementation of point 3 is January 1, 2002, rather than January 1, 2001.) In the case of bison coming from Canada and slaughtered in the United States, the required labeling would be as follows: "Born and raised: Canada/Slaughtering: USA Est. - No xxx,/Cutting: USA Est - No xxx/Reference-No".
- When the origin of the meat is unknown, exporters must display the following information on cartons and vacuum bags:
- "Origin: Non-EC and slaughtered in the United States".
- The labeling is mandatory to the retail level in the EU, or to the point of preparation in the case of product used for HRI purposes.
- It is not permitted to mention "non-hormone treated cattle", "NHTC" or any other reference to the non-use of hormones in the production of the beef on the labels for terminology of U.S. beef in the EU marketplace.
- Exporters must display the following information on labels attached to an individual piece or pieces of meat or to their packaging material:
- Labeling of raw material for pet food manufacture and pharmaceutical processing
- Carton labels of material intended for pet food manufacture must indicate:
- the phrase "Raw Material Only for the Manufacture of Pet Food"
- the name and address of the EU establishment of destination
- Carton labels of material intended for pharmaceutical processing must indicate:
- the phrase "Raw Material Only for the Manufacture of Technical Products Including Pharmaceutical Products"
- the name and address of the EU establishment of destination
- Carton labels of material intended for pet food manufacture must indicate:
- Fresh meat cuts which have undergone a freezing process must bear an indication of the month and year in which it was frozen.
- Export stamping
When exported product transits the EU for US military use, the USDA export stamp may be applied to a securely enclosed pallet or pallets within the consignment (e.g., shrink-wrapped or other effective means) and not applied to each outside container within the pallet. Exporters who elect to use this option for the application of the export stamp are to be aware that any product marked in this way is not eligible to return to U.S. commerce unless the entire shipment is returned intact bearing the marks applied at the time of export that connect the product to an FSIS-issued U.S. export certificate.
- Health Marks
- Finland and Sweden
Finland and Sweden require additional microbiological testing of fresh veal, beef, pork, and poultry meat for salmonella prior to export certification. The sampling methods and number of samples to be taken varies with the class of product and the size of the consignment. Specific information regarding sampling methods, number of samples to be taken, and the testing methodology is available.
The additional testing is not required if the fresh veal, beef, pork or poultry meat is destined for the manufacture of meat products in Sweden or Finland. - Compliance Oversight by FSIS
Production modes - Plants must be in an EU production mode whenever producing for EU export. It is not necessary that establishments be in an EU mode when producing for non-EU markets. However, all establishments must provide an EU mode control program to the IIC to assure that all EU requirements are met before beginning EU production. The plant must be in the EU mode during prescreening by FSIS and during any EU review. The key role in assuring compliance with the requirements for export to the EU is with the IIC. If an approved plant is not in compliance with the EU requirements, the IIC should withhold the use of the EU health mark label (See Section XIV Labeling.) and notify plant management of the non-compliance through a memorandum of interview (MOI). The EU health mark label should be returned to the secured location until the deficiency has been corrected. Product not bearing the EU health mark label was not produced according to the requirements for export to the EU and is not eligible for export certification to an EU member state.
An EU approved plant will be reviewed periodically to assure that the EU listed plant continues to comply with standards for export of product to the EU. The review will be documented on the revised FSIS Form 9100-1. EU Conformance Verification Checklist for Meat and Poultry Establishments to be used in Conjunction with the Export Requirements for the European Union. The Checklist should be completed a minimum of once per year and for plants that produce product for export to the EU on a routine basis, the review should be conducted each calendar quarter that product is produced. The FSIS inspector in charge (IIC) at the establishment should submit a scanned copy of the Checklist to FSIS at importexport@usda.gov. Any change in the status of the establishment, such as alteration of name or discontinuation of operation in the EU mode should also be submitted to FSIS.
Documentation - List of Required Certificates
Advisory - Exporters should verify that the shipping date on any original export certificate or accompanying shipping documents does not precede the FSIS signature date on the certificate. Failure to do so will result in the detention of the shipment at the Port of Entry into the European Union. On replacement certificates, the date of departure may precede the signature date as the shipment may have departed prior to issuing the replacement certificate.
Note: Many of the EU Model Health Certificates below contain material that is pre-marked through. While that material must remain marked through, there may be additional statements, words, species, etc. that must be marked through prior to certification. Applicable statements shall be kept as appropriate and statements which are not relevant, should be marked through (single line through non-applicable text), initialed, dated, and stamped with the Export mark of inspection by the certifying FSIS veterinarian. Only the additional marked through material should be initialed, dated, and stamped by the FSIS veterinarian.
NOTE: Requests for Replacement Certificates for product certified with previous versions of the EU letterhead certificates (prior to the updates to the EU Export Requirements issued on 9 December 2021 or 14 January 2022)
When replacing EU letterhead certificates during the transition period after January 15, 2022, FSIS will issue the same version of the original EU letterhead certificate. If the previous version of the original certificate is no longer available in the Documentation Requirements section, exporters and FSIS inspection personnel should contact Import/Export Program Development Staff at importexport@usda.gov or call (202) 720-0082 for assistance.
- For all replacement certificates add the following statement on the last page of the letterhead certificate:
"This certificate replaces certificate no. <insert original certificate number(s)> dated <insert date(s) of the original certificate(s)>. The export mark on the product covered by this certificate shows certificate no. ________."
If multiple certificates are consolidated into one replacement certificate, then list each certificate number and the date. - Only meat and poultry and meat and poultry products slaughtered, processed, and stored at approved establishments that meet the requirements described herein may be certified for export to the EU. All certificates for EU except FSIS Form 9060-5 must have a preprinted blue seal. All EU documents must be signed by an FSIS Veterinarian in a color other than black.
- An important feature of all EU-specific export certificates is the requirement for the application of an Export Stamp identifying the Certificate Number indicated on FSIS Form 9060-5 Export Certificate of Wholesomeness. The Export Stamp must be applied in the area on the certificate provided for an "Official stamp" in the signature block on the last page of the certificate, where any attestations have been marked through by the veterinarian, as well as at the bottom of each preceding page of the certificate along with the signature. The Export Stamp must be applied in a color of ink other than black. The signature of the official signing the certificate must be in a color of ink other than black.
- Meat and poultry products transiting or being temporarily stored in an EU member state must have an appropriate transit certificate related to animal health. See "Transit Certificates" in the appropriate section below.
- Minced meat containing less than 1% salt and no other added ingredients will be certified using the applicable fresh meat certificate. This product is not considered a meat product or meat preparation.
Note: All of the EU certificates listed below require the gross and net weights in kilograms in box I.26.
Note: Container numbers are required on all export and transit letterhead certificates to the EU. - Bovine (Beef and Bison)
- FSIS Form 9060-5 Export Certificate of Wholesomeness
- The following certificates are available:
FSIS letterhead certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH/OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE ENTRY INTO THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF DOMESTIC BOVINE ANIMALS (BOV), is available in English.*
Note: The United States current BSE status is designated as "negligible risk".
See Guidelines to complete. - Certificate of Authenticity for high quality beef and veal, if product is shipped under the high quality beef quota.
The following letterhead certificates may be issued if the applicant provides a completed and signed AMS Statement of Verification (SOV) for High Quality Beef and has documentation that associates the SOV with the specified product:- If Statement A on the SOV is marked OR the beef is graded U.S. Choice or higher:
- Use FSIS Letterhead Certificate Authenticity for Beef and Veal with Regulation (EU) 2020/761.
- The export stamp should be applied in Box 11 to the left of the signature, as well as to the second page of the certificate.
- If Statement B on the SOV is marked:
- Use FSIS Letterhead Certificate Authenticity for Beef and Veal with Regulation (EU) No 2020/1988.
- The export stamp should be applied in Box 11 to the left of the signature, as well as to the second page of the certificate.
- If both Statements A and B are checked on the AMS Statement of Verification, FSIS will issue either or both of the previously mentioned letterhead certificates upon request. The applicant will need to complete and present the requested letterhead certificate(s) that corresponds with the EU Regulation the product will ship under.
- FSIS will simultaneously issue both of the previously mentioned letterhead certificates for a single export consignment that is covered by one 9060-5, Export Certificate of Wholesomeness, provided that the AMS Statement of Verification has both statements A and B checked. Each of the requested certificates may cover the entire shipment. When the certificates overlap, i.e. cover the same product(s), the exporter is to present the single certificate of their choice for entry into the EU. When the certificates do not overlap, the exporter may present both certificates for entry into the EU.
- A Certificate of Authenticity may be issued after the FSIS 9060-5 and the EU veterinary certificate have been issued and after the product has left the U.S. if the applicant provides an AMS SOV for the certified product. FSIS will issue a replacement Certificate of Authenticity if the original certificate is returned to the certifying official. The replacement Certificate of Authenticity may be issued as a stand-alone document if all other certificates (FSIS and EU) are accurate and the only change is to the Certificate of Authenticity. FSIS will apply the current date to any replacement Certificate of Authenticity.
- If Statement A on the SOV is marked OR the beef is graded U.S. Choice or higher:
- Certificate of Authenticity for Bison
Note: Bison is not eligible for the high quality beef quota B. Shipments of bison must only use the FSIS Letterhead Certificate with the reference to Regulation (EU) No 2020/761 for shipments (quota A). FSIS PHVs should not certify bison under the high quality beef quota, quota B, and the letterhead certificate with the reference to Regulation (EU) No 2020/1988.
FSIS Letterhead Certificate of Authenticity, may be issued upon request of the applicant when producer affidavits are provided to FSIS personnel as part of the export certificate application. The affidavits must attest to the origin of the animals (U.S. or Canada) and that the animals meet the age and feeding requirement stated on the certificate.
- Pork
- FSIS Form 9060-5, Export Certificate of Wholesomeness
- FSIS letterhead certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH/OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE ENTRY INTO THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF DOMESTIC PORCINE ANIMALS (POR), is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
- Poultry
- FSIS Form 9060-5, Export Certificate of Wholesomeness
- FSIS letterhead certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH/OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE ENTRY INTO THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MINCED MEAT AND MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF POULTRY OTHER THAN RATITES (POU), is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
- Wild boar
- FSIS Form 9060-5 Export certificate of Wholesomeness.
- FSIS letterhead certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH/OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE ENTRY INTO THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING OFFAL, MINCED MEAT AND MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF ANIMALS KEPT AS FARMED GAME OF WILD BREEDS OF PORCINE ANIMALS AND ANIMALS OF THE FAMILY TAYASSUIDAE (SUF), is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
- Meat Preparations
- FSIS Form 9060-5 Export Certificate of Wholesomeness.
- FSIS letterhead certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH/OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE ENTRY INTO THE UNION OF MEAT PREPARATIONS INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (MP-PREP), is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
- Meat Products and treated stomachs, bladders and intestines SRM (applies to meat products from bovines, swine, poultry, farmed game, domestic rabbits, and wild game).
- FSIS Form 9060-5 Export Certificate of Wholesomeness
- FSIS letterhead certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH/OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE ENTRY INTO THE UNION OF MEAT PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, INCLUDING RENDERED ANIMAL FATS AND GREAVES, MEAT EXTRACTS AND TREATED STOMACHS, BLADDERS AND INTESTINES, OTHERS THAN CASINGS, THAT ARE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A SPECIFIC RISK- MITIGATING TREATMENT (MPST), is available in English.
- Meat Products and treated stomachs, bladders and intestines NO SRM (applies to meat products from bovines, swine, poultry, farmed game, domestic rabbits, and wild game).
- FSIS Form 9060-5 Export Certificate of Wholesomeness
- FSIS letterhead certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH/OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE ENTRY INTO THE UNION OF MEAT PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, INCLUDING RENDERED ANIMAL FATS AND GREAVES, MEAT EXTRACTS AND TREATED STOMACHS, BLADDERS AND INTESTINES OTHERS THAN CASINGS, THAT ARE NOT REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A SPECIFIC RISK- MITIGATING TREATMENT (MPNT), is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
- Mechanically Separated Pork
- FSIS Form 9060-5 Export Certificate of Wholesomeness
- FSIS letterhead certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH/OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE ENTRY INTO THE UNION OF MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, OF DOMESTIC PORCINE ANIMALS (SUI-MSM) is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete
- Mechanically Separated Bovine
- FSIS Form 9060-5 Export Certificate of Wholesomeness
- FSIS letterhead certificate ANIMAL HEALTH/OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE ENTRY INTO THE UNION OF MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, OF DOMESTIC RUMINANTS (RUM-MSM) is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete
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Composite Products
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FSIS Form 9060-5 Export Certificate of Wholesomeness
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FSIS letterhead certificate ANIMAL HEALTH/OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE ENTRY INTO THE UNION OF NOT SHELF-STABLE COMPOSITE PRODUCTS AND SHELF-STABLE COMPOSITE PRODUCTS, CONTAINING ANY QUANTITY OF MEAT PRODUCTS EXCEPT GELATINE, COLLAGEN AND HIGHLY REFINED PRODUCTS, AND INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (COMP)is available in English.
See Guideline to complete
NOTE: Composite product is defined by the EU as "a foodstuff intended for human consumption that contains both processed products of animal origin and products of plant origin". While establishments producing composite product are not required to be listed on an EU-approved list, the following requirements apply:
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All animal-derived ingredients must be sourced from EU listed/approved facilities and the EU approval number(s) must be provided when applying for a certificate.
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All dairy ingredients must be accompanied with a Certificate of Conformance as described in the AMS Dairy Program’s Export Verification Program for the EU must be provide
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- Animal casings
Facilities at which export certifications for casings to the EU are provided are considered processing facilities for purposes of export to the EU. These facilities must be present on the list of EU-approved casings establishments in the United States. See Plants Eligible for Export, to access the list. Casings do not have to originate from animals slaughtered at establishments approved by the EU.
Note: All ruminant casings exported to the EU must be derived from animals originating from countries with negligible BSE risk status. BSE risk status is listed here.
As of July 30, 2018 the ileum of the small intestine of ovine and caprine animals of all ages is no longer defined as SRM by the EU and casings derived from this portion are eligible for export to the EU.
Obtain the following certificates:
Animal casings not destined for an EU member state, which will be transiting or temporarily stored in an EU member state, must have an appropriate transit certificate related to animal health. See "Transit Certificates" in the appropriate section below.- FSIS Form 9060-7 (08/26/2011), Animal Casings Export Certificate for Countries Requiring Ante-Mortem, Post Mortem, and Fit for Human Food Statements OR FSIS 9060-18 (08/25/2011), Animal Casings Export Certificate for Countries Requiring Ante-Mortem, Post-Mortem and Sound and Clean Statements as applicable. Refer to Directive 9000.2. It is the U.S. exporter's responsibility to provide documentation that the casings originated from EU-approved casings establishments.
NOTE: The casing certificate listed below may be used before January 15, 2022 - FSIS letterhead certificate, Animal and public health certificate for natural animal casings intended for consignment to the European Community from third countries, is available in English
See Guidelines to complete.
- FSIS Form 9060-7 (08/26/2011), Animal Casings Export Certificate for Countries Requiring Ante-Mortem, Post Mortem, and Fit for Human Food Statements OR FSIS 9060-18 (08/25/2011), Animal Casings Export Certificate for Countries Requiring Ante-Mortem, Post-Mortem and Sound and Clean Statements as applicable. Refer to Directive 9000.2. It is the U.S. exporter's responsibility to provide documentation that the casings originated from EU-approved casings establishments.
- Transit Certificates
NOTE: Establishments that produce meat and poultry products that include meat and poultry ingredients that transit or are stored in the EU, need to be registered and on the "Official Listing for Eligible Suppliers for the USDA Export Verification Program for Products Transiting the EU". AMS has developed instructions providing general policies and procedures for providing services under the EV Program for Product Transiting the EU in QAD Procedure 1015, QAD Procedure 1000, LP 109 Application Process, and LP-109 Form.
Shipments of fresh meat or fresh poultry, meat or poultry products, meat or poultry preparations, egg products or animal casings transiting through EU member countries, or shipments that will be temporarily stored in an EU member state, including ship stores, must be accompanied by animal health certification. In addition to the certification/s required by the final destination country, the following EU transit certificates (as appropriate) must accompany shipments.For ships’ stores, in addition to the appropriate transit certificate, the following statement must be included in the "Remarks" section of FSIS Form 9060-5: "Product consigned to ships’ stores".
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BOVINE TRANSIT/STORAGE
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FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF DOMESTIC BOVINE ANIMALS (BOV)", is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
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OVINE/CAPRINE TRANSIT/STORAGE*
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FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF DOMESTIC OVINE AND CAPRINE (OVI) is available in English. *
See Guidelines to complete.*
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PORCINE TRANSIT/STORAGE
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FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF DOMESTIC PORCINE ANIMALS (POR)is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
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FRESH POULTRYMEAT TRANSIT/STORAGE
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FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MINCED MEAT AND MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF POULTRY OTHER THAN RATITES (POU)is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
If the consignment consists of poultry enter U.S., enter "US" and "US-1". If the consignment consists of egg products, enter "US" and "US-0". If from another country, enter appropriate code.
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WILD BOAR TRANSIT/STORAGE
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FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING OFFAL, MINCED MEAT AND MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF ANIMALS KEPT AS FARMED GAME OF WILD BREEDS OF PORCINE ANIMALS AND ANIMALS OF THE FAMILY TAYASSUIDAE (SUF) is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
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MEAT PREPARATIONS TRANSIT/STORAGE
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FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF MEAT PREPARATIONS INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (MP-PREP) is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete
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MEAT PRODUCTS AND TREATED STOMACHS, BLADDERS AND INTESTINES SRM TRANSIT/STORAGE (applies to meat products from bovines, swine, poultry, farmed game, domestic rabbits, and wild game)
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FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH/OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE ENTRY INTO THE UNION OF MEAT PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, INCLUDING RENDERED ANIMAL FATS AND GREAVES, MEAT EXTRACTS AND TREATED STOMACHS, BLADDERS AND INTESTINES, OTHERS THAN CASINGS, THAT ARE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A SPECIFIC RISK- MITIGATING TREATMENT (MPST) is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
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MEAT PRODUCTS AND TREATED STOMACHS, BLADDERS AND INTESTINES NO SRM TRANSIT/STORAGE (applies to meat products from bovines, swine, poultry, farmed game, domestic rabbits, and wild game)
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FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH/OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE ENTRY INTO THE UNION OF MEAT PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, INCLUDING RENDERED ANIMAL FATS AND GREAVES, MEAT EXTRACTS AND TREATED STOMACHS, BLADDERS AND INTESTINES OTHERS THAN CASINGS, THAT ARE NOT REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A SPECIFIC RISK- MITIGATING TREATMENT (MPNT) is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
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- MECHANICALLY SEPARATED BOVINE TRANSIT/STORAGE.
- FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH/OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, OF DOMESTIC RUMINANTS (RUM-MSM) is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
- FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH/OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, OF DOMESTIC RUMINANTS (RUM-MSM) is available in English.
- MECHANICALLY SEPARATED PORCINE TRANSIT/STORAGE
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FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, OF DOMESTIC PORCINE ANIMALS (SUI-MSM) is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
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ANIMAL CASINGS TRANSIT/STORAGE
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FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF THE UNION OF CASINGS INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (CAS) is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
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COMPOSITE PRODUCT TRANSIT/STORAGE
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Composite products regulated by FSIS, including products containing dairy ingredients and/or processed egg product ingredients sourced from an FSIS inspected plant or eligible foreign country, can be certified for transit through the EU. Suppliers of U.S. origin meat and poultry ingredients must be registered and listed in the Official Listing of Approved Suppliers for the USDA Export Verification Program for Products Transiting the European Union.
Dairy ingredients must be identified with each ingredients’ facility number. This may be an EU approved establishment number, an Interstate Milk Shipments number, USDA plant number or FEI number. Additionally, a Certificate of Conformance as described in the AMS Dairy Program’s Export Verification Program for the EU must be provided.
FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF NOT SHELF-STABLE COMPOSITE PRODUCTS AND SHELF-STABLE COMPOSITE PRODUCTS CONTAINING ANY QUANTITY OF MEAT PRODUCTS AND INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (TRANSIT-COMP) is available in English.
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- FSIS Letterhead certificates must always be stamped with the "Export Stamp" and signed at the bottom of each page in ink a color other than black.
- Requests for transit certificates for products other than those listed above and requests for certificates in various languages should be directed to FSIS at (202) 720-0082.
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- Other Requirements
- Product for personal consumption - Products for personal consumption must meet all export requirements found in this document, i.e. be certified from an eligible plant (see EU plants lists) and be accompanied by all required certificates issued by an FSIS veterinarian. Hand carried or mailed items will not be allowed unless they meet these requirements. EU member countries are listed at the beginning of this document).
- European Union requires treatment of all packing material made of conifer materials as a preventive measure against pinewood parasites. This includes wood pallets. USDA, APHIS has established a marking procedure for treated pallets. More information is available at APHIS' Website.
- European Union Pork Tariff Rate Quota and Certificate of Origin. A supplementary tariff rate quota (TRQ) and Certificate of Origin has been set by the European Union (EU) specifically for U.S. pork loins and hams. Products which qualify for import under the U.S. only quota are pork loins and hams. The U.S. Meat Export Federation is responsible for distributing EU Pork Tariff Rate Quota Certificates. For more detail, see information provided by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. This information is for the use of U.S. exporters. It should not be considered by FSIS personnel in determining the eligibility of product for FSIS export certification. FSIS does not issue and is not involved in the issuance of the Certificate of Origin.
- Under Council Decision 98/258/EC (the Veterinary Equivalence Agreement):
- FSIS, Phone (202) 720-0082 or importexport@usda.gov, will provide technical assistance regarding the provisions of the agreement to plant management and FSIS personnel. In addition, U.S. Meat Export Federation (303) 623-6328) and U.S.A. Poultry and Egg Export Council (770) 413-0006 may provide technical assistance to plant management interested in EU approval.
- Plant management seeking EU approval should complete and submit FSIS Form 9080-3, Establishment Application for Export, to FSIS in PHIS. The IIC will confirm that an establishment complies with the conditions of the Agreement as outlined in the Library of Export Requirements for the European Union and document the review on FSIS Form 9100-1, EU Conformance Verification Checklist for Meat and Poultry Establishments to be Used in Conjunction with the Export Requirements for the European Union. The exporter must upload the completed form and attach it to the 9080-3 request in PHIS.
NOTE: All 9080-3 requests must be submitted through PHIS. IPP will not accept paper forms for review on or after June 29, 2018. The exporter must upload the completed 9100-1 Form and attach it to the 9080-3 request. The request will not be processed if a required 9100-1 Form is not included in the application. Establishments that are not using PHIS must submit a fully completed (not including FSIS signatures) 9080-3 Form with a completed 9100-1 Form attached to the FSIS Proxy for entry into PHIS. Information on sending completed Forms to the FSIS Proxy is available on the FSIS Export Library - Requirements by Country page or by clicking here. - Plants that comply with the conditions stated herein will be submitted to the EU for approval. FSIS will certify to the EU that U.S. meat and poultry establishments comply with the appropriate conditions as outlined above. The EU will approve and list the plants in a timely manner. Plants may begin producing for export to the EU under the conditions of the new agreement on the date of EU listing.
- Farmed Game plants are reviewed by FSIS and determined to meet EU requirements for export. Farmed game plants are recommended to EU through FDA, as the competent authority. Application and review matters are conducted by the IIC in the establishment The IIC will confirm that an establishment complies with the conditions of the Agreement as outlined in the Library of Export Requirements for the European Union and document the review on FSIS Form 9100-1, EU Conformance Verification Checklist for Meat and Poultry Establishments to be Used in Conjunction with the Export Requirements for the European Union. The exporter must upload the completed form and attach it to the 9080-3 request in PHIS. Plants that comply with the conditions stated herein will be submitted to the EU. For further information on FDA regulations covering farmed game, contact Dr. Jeff Hamer at jeff.hamer@fda.hhs.gov.
- The EU has the right to audit approved plants to confirm that they comply with the conditions of the agreement.
- Partial approvals - Applies to red meat only
Establishment management seeking approval of only the part of their plant that processes product for EU export can request partial plant approval for certain products under the following conditions:- The establishment shall develop a Quality Assurance (QA) program which addresses the mode of operation, the identification of product, and the segregation of the product from receiving to shipping. Establishments which want to apply for partial approval must meet the facility requirements in the approved areas to ensure physical and/or time separation of approved and non-approved products.
- The QA program shall include an establishment monitoring schedule and a log to document both monitoring actions and corrective actions.
- The QA program shall be acceptable to the IIC and be available and acceptable to the EU auditor.
- The IIC shall monitor the establishment's application of the QA program and document such monitoring and ensure correction of deficiencies.
- The establishment must be able to demonstrate the program during an audit. All relevant documentation must be available.
- Animal casings establishments operating under FSIS voluntary inspection should submit FSIS Form 9080-3 in PHIS. Casing plants are recommended to the EU through FDA, as the competent authority. Application and review matters are conducted by the IIC at the plant.
- Lists of eligible plants for the various product categories are available through the Export Library. Plants must meet all EU requirements in addition to being listed on the appropriate list. Cold storage approval is not species specific. Establishments with cold storage approval are eligible to store product of any species.
The European Union official website where EU lists are published is available at Establishment Lists - TRACES NT (europa.eu). Scroll to "United States" and click on the list of interest.
European Union imposition of certification requirements for animal origin items (including dairy, egg, fishery products, and meat) transiting the EU destined for the exclusive use of the Department of Defense (DOD) is inconsistent with longstanding privileges and practices under the 1951 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and related agreements and understandings with EU member nations hosting U.S. military bases.
DOD has provided animal health attestations for raw meat products, like beef, pork, lamb, and chicken since 2013 as a measure of respect for host nation health and safety concerns. DOD has requested that U.S. government agencies not issue certificates for any animal origin products (other than FSIS regulated raw meat, FSIS regulated raw poultry, and FSIS certified raw meat not included under the FSIS authority) transiting the EU for U.S. military use (e.g., delivery at U.S. bases). Effective immediately, exporters with consignments of any animal origin products (other than the raw meat, raw poultry and other raw meat products), dairy, and dairy related products transiting the EU to U.S. military bases or warehouses should not request export certificates.
DOD Points of Contact for further guidance/information for products that do not require an EU letterhead health certificate are as follows:
- For Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) related shipments: Randy Eller, Randy.eller@deca.mil, 804-734-8000, Ext 86191
- For Army and Airforce Exchange Service (AAFES) related shipments: Brian M. Guest, Europe Regional Fleet Mgr., Army & Air Force Exchange Service, LG Fleet/Transportation Europe, guestb@aafes.com, +49-(0)72749472-102
- For Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) related shipments: MAJ Adelaide Green, Food Safety Officer, DLA Troop Support, Adelaide.Green@dla.mil.
Documentation Requirements – List of Required Certificates
NOTE: All federally inspected establishments are eligible to export products, to transit the European Union, which are destined to military installations only. Meat and poultry producers and processors that produce raw meat and raw poultry products that transit, or are stored in the EU, need to be registered and on the "Official Listing for Eligible Suppliers for the USDA Export Verification Program for Products Transiting the EU". AMS has developed instructions providing general policies and procedures for providing services under the EV Program for Product Transiting the EU in QAD Procedure 1015, QAD Procedure 1000, LP 109 Application Process, and LP-109 Form.
NOTE: For all shipments transiting the European Union to Military Installations only, exporters will provide FSIS Form 9060-5 (Export Certificate of Wholesomeness) for military shipments, in addition to the appropriate transit certificate for raw meat or raw poultry. The following statement must be included in the "Remarks" section of FSIS Form 9060-5: "Product consigned to US military".
NOTE: Siluriformes (catfish). For military shipments, FSIS will issue the Fish and Fish Products Export Certificate of Wholesomeness (FSIS Form 9060-5S), including the statement “Intended for military use” in the remarks section.
In addition to FSIS Form 9060-5, exporters will provide the following EU letterhead health certificates for the specific raw products identified:
- BOVINE TRANSIT/STORAGE
- FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF DOMESTIC BOVINE ANIMALS (BOV)", is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
- FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF DOMESTIC BOVINE ANIMALS (BOV)", is available in English.
- PORCINE TRANSIT/STORAGE
- FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF DOMESTIC PORCINE ANIMALS (POR)is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
- FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF DOMESTIC PORCINE ANIMALS (POR)is available in English.
- OVINE/CAPRINE TRANSIT/STORAGE
- FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF DOMESTIC OVINE AND CAPRINE (OVI) is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
- FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF DOMESTIC OVINE AND CAPRINE (OVI) is available in English.
- WILD BOAR TRANSIT/STORAGE
- FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING OFFAL, MINCED MEAT AND MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF ANIMALS KEPT AS FARMED GAME OF WILD BREEDS OF PORCINE ANIMALS AND ANIMALS OF THE FAMILY TAYASSUIDAE (SUF) is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
- FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING OFFAL, MINCED MEAT AND MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF ANIMALS KEPT AS FARMED GAME OF WILD BREEDS OF PORCINE ANIMALS AND ANIMALS OF THE FAMILY TAYASSUIDAE (SUF) is available in English.
- FRESH POULTRY MEAT TRANSIT/STORAGE
- FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MINCED MEAT AND MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF POULTRY OTHER THAN RATITES (POU)is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
If the consignment consists of poultry from the U.S., enter "US" and "US-1". If from another country, enter appropriate code.
- FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF FRESH MEAT INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, EXCLUDING MINCED MEAT AND MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT, OF POULTRY OTHER THAN RATITES (POU)is available in English.
- MEAT PREPARATIONS TRANSIT/STORAGE
- FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF MEAT PREPARATIONS INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (MP-PREP) is available in English.
See Guidelines to complete.
- FSIS Letterhead Certificate, ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNION TO A THIRD COUNTRY EITHER BY IMMEDIATE TRANSIT OR AFTER STORAGE IN THE UNION OF MEAT PREPARATIONS INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (MP-PREP) is available in English.
NOTE: An EU letterhead health certificate is no longer required for shipments containing further processed meat and/or poultry products (i.e. cooked), egg products, or composite products (as defined by the EU) designated for military use.
Last Updated: May 16, 2022