Live animals and products of animal origin that are to be moved within the EU or from a third country into the EU must meet specific animal health requirements. This prevents the introduction of animal diseases into the EU or the spread of animal diseases from one EU country to another.
Businesses must ensure that animals intended for transport to another Member State are accompanied by a veterinary certificate (TRACES certificate).
The veterinary certificate is
- for the entry of breeding and livestock animals from a third country into Germany (entry) as well as
- for the export of breeding and livestock animals from Germany to third countries (countries outside the European Union) (export)
.
It provides information about the general state of health of a breeding or livestock animal.
The veterinary certificate must be reviewed, stamped, and signed by an official veterinarian. Before signing, the official veterinarian must verify, through document checks, identity checks, and physical inspections, that the terrestrial animals covered by the certificate meet the required animal health standards. If the relevant requirements are met, the veterinary certificate can be issued in TRACES NT and handed over to the operator.