Listing of establishments approved for export commodities to the EU

In order to export food of animal origin (meat, meat products, milk, cheese, etc.) to the EU, countries need to be approved. This approval includes a number of steps: (1) a positive evaluation of the competent authorities responsible for overseeing production and for certification of consignments; (2) a favourable animal health status and control system and (3) an approved residue control plan. These steps involved require desk-based evaluations and on-the-spot audits by the FVO who also carry out repeat evaluations and audits on a regular basis. In addition, production establishments must also be approved. Lists of approved countries and establishments are published by DG SANTE via the TRACES portal and are available to EU Border Inspection Posts, the authorities in the EU and third countries and to the public. Within DG SANTE, the FVO is responsible for management and maintenance of lists of establishments in third countries that are approved to export food of animal origin to the EU. For the vast majority of food commodities of animal origin, requirements have been in place for many years. For such commodities, lists of approved establishments were drawn up many years ago; establishments may be added or deleted from the lists as appropriate. For a number of commodities, particularly specialised products or where import volumes were very small, Member States retained responsibility for maintaining their own lists of establishments from which they authorised imports. The FVO has undertaken to progressively harmonise the lists of approved establishments for these commodities. To date, in addition to the list for the main food commodities, a harmonised list has been drawn up for 'Eggs & egg products' and work is currently in progress to harmonise lists for 'Frog legs and snails', 'Rendered animal fats and greaves' and 'Collagen'.