Common Health Entry Document (CHED)
What is a Common Health Entry Document (CHED)?
The Common Health Entry Document (CHED) is a standard form used in the European Union to manage the health and safety of imported goods. It applies to goods that require veterinary or phytosanitary controls, including food, animal products, plants, and their derivatives. The primary purpose of the CHED is to ensure that these goods comply with EU health and safety regulations, thereby protecting public health, animal welfare, and the ecological environment.
The role and importance of the CHED
The Common Health Entry Document (CHED) is mainly used to notify border control authorities of the imminent entry of goods that require veterinary or phytosanitary inspection. As food safety and animal and plant health are of paramount importance to the EU market, the implementation of the CHED helps to:
- Prevent the spread of disease: Imported goods are effectively monitored, reducing the risk of infectious diseases spreading.
- Ensure compliance: Imported products must comply with EU health standards, and the CHED provides the necessary documentary support.
- Improve customs clearance efficiency: standardized documents reduce the complexity of border inspections and speed up the customs clearance process.
CHED application and approval process
The first step in the CHED application process is for the importer or its agent to submit the document electronically via the EU Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES). TRACES is a platform dedicated to health-related documents that enable efficient validation and management of CHEDs. Once the goods arrive at the EU border, customs officials verify that the CHED information matches the actual goods and that it complies with health regulations.
The process is as follows
- Importer submits CHED: The importer or his agent submits a completed CHED via the TRACES system before the goods arrive in the EU.
- Border checkpoint checks: Customs and relevant regulatory authorities check the CHED to ensure that it matches the goods and complies with EU health standards.
- Necessary checks arecarried out: Certain goods may require further laboratory testing or on-site inspections to confirm their safety.
- Entryis approved or denied: Goods that meet the standards can enter the EU market, while those that do not may be destroyed or returned.
Related FAQS
Who needs to submit a CHED?
The importer or his agent must submit a CHED, register on the TRACES system, and have an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number.
What goods does the CHED apply to?
The CHED applies to goods such as food, animal products, plants, and their derivatives that require sanitary or phytosanitary controls.
How is the CHED submitted?
The CHED must be submitted electronically via the TRACES system.
What happens if the CHED information is inaccurate?
Inaccurate CHED information may result in customs delays or even the refusal to enter goods.
What is the role of the TRACES system?
The TRACES system is used to process and validate health-related documents and ensure CHED compliance efficiently.