TRACES, or Trade Control and Expert System, is a system to control and determine for what purpose and how products of animal origin move between countries. This system has been used by the veterinary authorities of the European Union Member States since 1 January 2005. For non-EU countries, the TRACES system is the basis by which we can transport livestock within the UK. Everything is done electronically, so there is no unnecessary paperwork or waste of paper.
On 1 January 2022, the European Commission, by making this IT system available to Member States, made it possible for them to also obtain an electronic phytosanitary certificate for products that are of plant origin for export to non-Member States.
How do I use the TRACES system?
Using the TRACES system is free and open to the public, simply setting up an account is not difficult, however, if you need our assistance, we will be happy to undertake the completion of the applicable documents from start to finish. Depending on whether you are an importer or exporter, the subsequent steps will be slightly different. Both an importer and exporter in TRACES can only be an entity that has previously been registered in the Official Register of Professional Entities.
To ensure efficient processing and destination identification of consignments through TRACES, it is necessary to provide a health entry document (CHED-PP) alongside them. This document facilitates swift recognition of the goods and determination of the intended country of arrival.To comply with the requirements, the respective authorities must be informed by submitting the appropriate paperwork no later than 24 hours prior to the consignment's arrival at the border checkpoint. For air transportation, this notification period is notably shorter, with a timeframe of up to 6 hours.
Customers are only required to register with TRACES and can delegate the subsequent procedures to the relevant customs agency.
What goods are transported and monitored under TRACES?
Primarily, TRACES monitors goods falling into several categories, including those of animal origin. This encompasses live animals intended for trade within the receiving nation, as well as animal embryos and products derived from zoonotic sources.
Furthermore, TRACES oversees food products derived from both animal and plant sources. Examples include meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and cereal products.
Additionally, TRACES covers goods of plant origin, such as plants, seeds, seedlings, flowers, and other plant-based products.
What are the benefits of using TRACES?
The advantages of the TRACES information system can vary depending on the operator involved, as private importers have distinct interests compared to companies dealing with large volumes of animal products. Notably, TRACES offers the following key benefits:
- Effective monitoring of consignments originating from both European Union member states and non-member countries.
- Facilitated exchange of information in a quicker and more transparent manner, resulting in expedited administrative procedures and faster delivery of the consignments to their intended destinations.
- Swift response in health emergencies, enabling the secure transportation and isolation of livestock diagnosed with a disease through thorough monitoring.
If you have any uncertainties, our team of knowledgeable brokers is here to address all your inquiries regarding TRACES. Therefore, if you are planning to transport livestock internationally, we extend our invitation to collaborate with us!