What is GEFS?
Groupage Export Facilitation Scheme (GEFS) is a scheme designed to support Certifying Officers in obtaining the information needed to certify EU Export Health Certificate for certain types of product exports.
The GEFS scheme does not remove or change the requirement for each consignment of goods exported to be accompanied by its own EHC, but is designed to facilitate the process for certifying officers to obtain relevant information. It enables the use of 30-day support attestations for certain commodities, where exporters are GEFS members and where supply chains are sufficiently stable. The scheme applies in Great Britain.
The GEFS only covers specific categories of products of animal origin (POAO) for human consumption, as detailed below:
• composite products
• meat products
• meat preparations
• dairy products
• fish/fishery products
• eggs/egg products
• honey
• frogs’ legs
• snails
• highly refined products
• live bivalve molluscs (considered POAO, not live animals)
It can also cover specific categories of animal by-products (ABP) such as processed pet food.
Exporters can apply for GEFS membership. Detailed guidance is available in the GEFS Guidance.
Are you looking to export your product?
We are fully qualified to offer guidance and support to manufacturers seeking to export their products under the GEFS scheme by conducting vet compliance visits and signing Support Attestations (SA1), alongside providing continued professional advice in compliance with the requirements of current legislation, professional guidelines, and APHA/EU/non-EU country procedures.