CHED – A Key Formal Requirement for the Import of Animal- and Plant-Origin Products to and from the European Union

Modern international trade demands not only efficient logistics but, most importantly, full compliance with health and phytosanitary regulations. This is especially important when importing animal and plant products, where the risks of disease, contamination, or pest transmission is high.

One of the most important tools in managing this process is the Common Health Entry Document (CHED), an crucial part of the European Union’s border control system. Understanding its purpose, the procedures involved, and the challenges related when importing and exporting goods outside the Union's borders.

What is a CHED and Why Is It Important?

CHED's standardised health documents used to declare consignments of animal and plant products imported into the EU. Their primary purpose is to verify that imported goods meet the EU’s phytosanitary and veterinary requirements, thereby minimizing epidemiological risks and safeguarding human health, animal welfare, and the environment. All CHEDs are submitted electronically via the TRACES-NT (Trade Control and Expert System – New Technology) platform, which enables efficient data transmission, early risk assessment, and smooth coordination of border inspections.

There are four main CHED categories, each tailored to a different type of product:

• CHED-A – live animals and products of animal origin (e.g., meat, fish, milk, eggs, honey)
• CHED-P – plants and products of plant origin (e.g., fruit, vegetables, seeds, timber)
• CHED-D – feed and certain non-animal products (e.g., cereals, nuts, processed foods)
• CHED-PP – specific plant products requiring additional checks

Import Procedures within the European Union

Goods requiring a CHED must follow strict procedural steps before entering the EU.

1. Pre-notification
The importer or their customs representative must complete the relevant CHED and pre-notify the consignment in TRACES-NT at least 24 hours before arrival, or typically no later than 4 hours before landing for air freight. This allows border authorities to prepare for inspection.

2. Border checks
Upon arrival at the Border Control Post (BCP), officials carry out:

• documentary checks
• identity verification
• physical inspections
• laboratory analyses where necessary

Products of animal origin may only come from EU-approved countries and establishments that meet the EU's animal health and food safety standards. If the shipment does not comply, the consignment may be detained, re-exported, or destroyed in accordance with EU law.

3. Packaging and labelling compliance
Correct labelling and packaging are essential to ensure traceability, product safety, and clear identification during border checks.

Updates in EU Regulations

Derry Bros continuously monitors evolving EU regulations to ensure clients remain fully compliant. Between 2025 and 2026, the EU is introducing several important changes affecting the movement of animal and plant products. These include:

• more detailed reporting requirements in TRACES-NT
• updates to chemical residue limits
• expansions of the approved supplier and establishments list
• strengthened training and certification obligations for high-risk product importers

These regulatory adjustments are designed to improve safety and enhance the efficiency of border controls across the EU.

Digital solutions offered by Derry Bros, including Digicom with its automated CHED generation, support the digitalisation, efficiency and standardisation of key regulatory processes.

TRACES vs IPAFFS – Two Systems on Both Sides of the Channel

Following Brexit, trade between the EU and the UK requires the use of two independent notification systems:

• TRACES-NT (Traces New Technology) – the EU system for goods entering the European Union
• IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System) – the UK system for imports into Great Britain

Importers moving goods into the EU must use TRACES-NT, while those importing into GB must submit notifications in IPAFFS.
Derry Bros operates seamlessly across both platforms, ensuring consistent customs handling for EU–UK cross-border shipments.

Automation – Digicom and the “45-Second CHED”

Derry Bros has introduced a breakthrough in customs digitalisation through its om platform, au the CHED creation process. By combining advanced Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and AI-driven data validation, Digicom can now generate a CHED in under 45 seconds.

“This innovation significantly reduces the time required to complete CHEDs while minimising the risk of human error,” explains Colin Robb, Head of Operations & Sales at Derry Bros.

At present, automated CHED creation is available for Ireland through TRACES-NT, with expansion to other EU markets already underway. The long-term goal is to extend this functionality across a wider range of EU trading operations.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Import Partner

Compliance and clearance speed directly influence a company’s competitiveness in international trade. CHEDs play a fundamental role in ensuring the safety and legality of shipments within both the EU (TRACES-NT) and the UK (IPAFFS). Understanding these systems and the regulatory requirements set by European and British authorities is essential for any importer operating in today's global market.

A professional customs partner such as Derry Bros ensures:

• full compliance with EU and UK regulations
• efficient use of TRACES-NT and IPAFFS
• reduced administrative costs
• faster border clearance
• improved accuracy through digital automation

In a complex regulatory landscape, reliable customs support translates into safer shipments, fewer delays, and lower operational costs.