Exporting Table Eggs

From 31 January 2024, consignments of table eggs exported to Great Britain (GB), the Channel Islands or Isle of Man, must pre-notified to GB authorities by using IPAFFs (Import of products, animals, food and feed system). This pre-notification must be made by the GB based importer or import agent At least 24 hours in advance. Eggs are classified as Medium Risk and must follow the export requirements for products in this risk category.

From 31 January, consignments of table eggs exported to Great Britain (GB) must be accompanied by an export health certificate (EHC). The current version of the Model Health Certificates for Eggs (E) is GBHC420 (v1.1 Aug 2023). It is important to use the latest version that is on the gov.uk website:

The goods will be subject to identity and physical checks at Border Control Posts (BCPs). For goods from Ireland this will not commence before 31 October 2024.

• Exporting businesses must ensure that they are registered on TRACES (the European Union’s digital certification and management platform related to the trade of goods) to apply to the Department for an Export Health Certificate.
• The GB importer will need to register with,IPAFFS and submit advance notification of the import to IPAFFS. The exporter must make an application for an EHC in TRACES and on receipt of the Local Cert Reference Number from TRACES , the exporter must submit an application, with supporting documents, by emailing egghealthcerts@agriculture.gov.ie Application must be made five working days in advance of the export date.
• The application and supporting documentation will be reviewed and if not in order the exporter will be notified.
• If the application and supporting documentation is in order, the EHC process is completed, the EHC is generated, signed and electronically stamped by the certifying veterinary officer. The eCertificate will then be available to download on TRACES by the exporter.
• The Irish exporter must provide the original downloaded eCertificate to the GB importer. This eCertificate must be uploaded onto IPAFFS before the consignment arrives in GB. The original certificate does not have to travel with the consignment, once it has been uploaded to TRACES.
• GB import documentary checks will occur remotely, with identity and physical checks undertaken at the BCP on a risk basis. For goods from Ireland this will not commence before 31 October 2024.
• Where goods are being exported to the Great Britain and then are exported to another country, then a Transit Egg Health Certificate is required.

Further information is available at the following link:

Eggs health certificates

How to complete a health certificate for imports to Great Britain (Excluding Northern Ireland)

• Both the exporter and importer must also comply with Customs requirements. Please see here for details –Revenue - HMRC .

If you have further queries on table egg exports, please email feedenquiries@agriculture.gov.ie or egghealthcerts@agriculture.gov.ie.