OIE standards : procedures, model certificates Workshop for OIE National Focal Points for Animal Production Food Safety Singapore, October 2010 Thanks to: Caroline Planté / Wim Pilgrim Alexandre Bouchot
REF IN THE TERR. CODE Specific requirements on certification: Section 5 Trade measures, import/export procedures and veterinary certification Chapter 5.1 General obligations related to certification Chapter 5.2 Certification procedures Chapter 5.10, 5.11, 5.12 Models of veterinary certificates/passport for horses
GENERAL ASPECTS International veterinary health certificates: Official document drawn up by exporting country Describe animal health requirements + public health requirements (where appropriate) for the exported commodity Quality of exporting country s VS is crucial Requirements take into account health status of exporting and importing countries (+ transit if relevant) Based on recommendations in the OIE Code + Codex (where appropriate)
CONFIDENCE Compliance with fundamental principles of quality of VS important to establish and maintain confidence in international veterinary certificates established by a Member Section 3 Quality of Veterinary Services Chapter 3.1 Veterinary Services Chapter 3.2 Evaluation of Veterinary Services
RESPONSABILITY The Head of the Veterinary Services In general, CVO of the exporting country => is ultimately accountable for veterinary certification used in international trade.
CERTIFYING VETERINARIAN (1/2) Veterinary Authority responsible for Authorisation of certifying veterinarians Definition of functions, duties and conditions covering suspension and termination Provision of relevant instructions and training Monitoring to verify their integrity and impartiality.
CERTIFYING VETERINARIAN (2/2) Certifying veterinarian must: Only certify matters within their knowledge Only sign where certificate completed fully and correctly Have no conflict of interest
SANITARY REQUIREMENTS (1/2) Sanitary import requirements agreed between importing and exporting countries Veterinary Authorities Certific ate Importing country should restrict requirements to those necessary to achieve the national Appropriate Level of Protection (ALOP) Based on international standards (OIE + Codex where relevant) Or if stricter => based on an import risk analysis Should not include requirements for the exclusion of pathogens or animal diseases present in the importing country and not subject to any official control programme
SANITARY REQUIREMENTS (2/2) Certific ate Certification requirements should : Be included in the model of certificates approved by OIE Be exact, concise, unambiguous and feasible Convey wishes of the importing country Be based on highest possible ethical standards (professional integrity of certifying vet to be respected and safeguarded)
CERTIFICATES (1/2) Principles : Design and printing techniques to prevent fraud/forgery : identification number (noted on each page), official identifier of the Vet. Authority.. Understanding by importing country and exporting country certifying vet. (terms/language) Appropriate identification of animals/products where appropriate, accompany with notes of guidance
CERTIFICATES (2/2) Principles : text only amended by deletions which are signed and stamped by certifying vet. Signature and stamp of different color to that of the printing of the certificate Replacement requirements Originals only If electronic certification, need for security systems
IMPORT CONTROL Meat and products of animal origin - for human consumption Art 5.7.3 - for use in animal feeding, pharmaceutical, surgical, agricultural or industrial use Art 5.7.4 => Must be accompanied by an international veterinary certificate conforming with OIE model Vet. Authority s Inspection : - IVC not compliant or - possible danger to health of persons or animals Return or Adequate treatment to ensure safety
MODEL CERTIFICATES OIE has collaborated with Codex in regard to the development of combined certificates for animal products. OIE ad hoc Group reviewed current guidance on veterinary certification, including updating model certificates taking account of Codex and UN-CEFACT work in this area and ensuring compatibility with electronic certification systems OIE models are baseline: content and form may be modified as required 13
CERTIFICATES Based on OIE Code and Codex, indicate precisely : - Animal health requirements and - Public health requirements 14
CONCLUSION Compliance with OIE standards of quality and evaluation Essential for Efficiency of VS Trust in VS certificates appropriate certification
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