The ‘CCC’ of pet food or ingredient exports to the EU

100 years of trading codes

When zebu cattle were exported from India to Brazil in 1920, the ship went via Antwerp and a major rinderpest outbreak occurred in Belgium. This incident led to
the League of Nations setting up the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) to establish rules for the international trade in animals and animal products and prevent the global spread of zoonoses.

Since 1924, the OIE has drawn up detailed hygiene and trading rules for 117 animal diseases in Terrestrial and Aquatic Animal Codes, including model veterinary health certificates. These form the basis for animal and animal product trade in all countries and regions, and are recognised by the WTO in trade disputes.

Rules and more rules?

With all these internationally recognised OIE rules, why are there so many national and regional veterinary regulations and import health certificates? Because each country or region remains responsible for protecting their own territories, farmers and consumers on the basis of risk assessment and risk management.

The EU follows a strict, 3-fold approach for animal and animal product imports, including pet food and pet food raw materials of animal origin. So before you can export to the EU, the ‘CCC’ must be fulfilled.

1. Country must be checked

If a 3rd country wishes to export to the EU, there is a thorough check, including inspection visits, to verify whether veterinary and hygiene legislation, its application and its enforcement comply with the EU’s high standards.

2. Commodity must be approved

Once the country is approved, EU official lists determine which commodities may be exported from that country. These lists also show whether a specific commodity, such as poultry, beef, ostriches, insects, pet food or honey, may be shipped to an EU country or region. This can depend on the epidemiological situation in the 3rd country or an assessment of the reliability of the local veterinary services.

3. Company must be EU listed

Safety and hygiene also depend on the company handling or processing the animal products. That is why the EU requires all exporting 3rd country entities to be officially EU listed. 3rd country authorities must notify the EU about each company.