Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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1964. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken at EU level to ensure that there is consistency and uniformity of approach with regard to export health certificates as required under the trade co-operation agreement between the European Union and the UK post-Brexit on products of animal origin; the estimated time taken from date of application to the issue of such export health certificates; and if he will expedite this application process in particular circumstances. [14531/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The EU SPS regime sets out the rules under which animals and agrifood products may be imported into the Union.  Under this regime, the EU requires health certification for animals and certain products.  The process of issuing certificates differs from country to country but, in all circumstances, must meet certain basic standards. The TCA does not provide for any changes in EU SPS rules for animals or animal products coming into the EU from the UK.

UK import requirements and controls are a matter for the UK Government. The UK Government recently announced that it has postponed the second phase of SPS import controls for exports of certain EU products of animal origin from 1st April until 1st October 2021. Under the WTO SPS Agreement, WTO members are obliged to ensure that their SPS measures do not arbitrarily or unjustifiably discriminate between WTO members where identical or similar conditions prevail.

Work is ongoing to ensure that my Department optimises its systems and resources to meet the UK’s requirements. For DAFM approved establishments, the process for Export Health certification varies by commodity type, the detail of which is available on DAFM's Brexit export webpage. Engagement with industry on processes and timelines is also continuing. As these processes are refined, the time to deliver a certificate from the date of application will improve. Preparation is required on all sides for this change in UK import requirements and it will be important that applications for health certificates are made in good time.