Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government how they will work with trading partners to ensure that the capacity and availability of certifiers for export health certificates are sufficient to prevent any barrier to trade.

The UK Government is working closely with EU member states and the European Commission to ensure that there is sufficient certifier capacity for implementation of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM). Our evidence suggests that member states will be ready with the necessary certifier capacity in place. We remain in contact with the European Commission to discuss and review the availability of EU certifiers to exporters, as it is the responsibility of the exporter to identify a certifying officer in the EU.

Furthermore, under the BTOM’s risk-based approach most imports of animal and plant products will not require health certification. Where certification is needed, it will be simplified and digitised.