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<p>New requirements for export health certificates (EHCs) for goods moving from Great
Britain to the EU from 1 January 2021 may increase demand for EHCs for products of
animal origin (POAO) by up to five times, compared with the approximately 57,000 issued
for third country trade in 2017. To meet this possible demand, we have increased the
number of Official Vets (OVs) holding the relevant qualification to certify POAO exports
from around 600 in February 2019 to more than 1200 today, with further funded training
announced on 1 October 2020. In addition, around 1000 Food Competent Certifying Officers
(FCCOs) working in 153 different local authorities across Great Britain can certify
some exports and therefore contribute towards certification capacity. We have also
introduced the role of Certification Support Officers (CSOs) to help reduce the burden
on OVs and FCCOs. CSOs are able to carry out preliminary and administrative work to
prepare consignments for export. On 1 October, we announced additional funded training
to help increase the number of CSOs from 96 qualified and authorised by APHA.</p>
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