Composite foods are foods that contain both processed products of animal origin and products of plant origin, for example, a ham sandwich, pepperoni pizza, or spinach and ham quiche.
Importing Composite Products
Composite products containing processed products of animal origin (POAO) (except gelatine, collagen, or highly refined products) must:
- be made with processed POAO from EU-approved establishments
- come from countries authorised to export POAO to the EU
- be accompanied by the appropriate health certificate or private attestation, depending on shelf-stability and composition
In general, composite products require veterinary checks on entry into Ireland. For these products you must:
- Register with TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System). Details on how to register for access to TRACES are available on DAFM’s website
- Pre-notify 24 hours in advance of arrival of the consignment by submitting Part 1 of the Common Health Entry Document for Products of Animal Origin (CHED-P) through the online TRACES system
- Submit copies of other supporting documentation associated with the consignment with the CHED-P (such as the Health Certificate, Invoice, Packing list etc.)
Certain low risk composite products do not require a health certificate and may be subject to a reduction in the level of official controls applied. The requirements for these products are set out in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/630
However, these products must be accompanied by a private attestation drawn up in accordance with the model private attestation in Annex V of Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/2235. The private attestation is to be completed by the importer or a representative of the importer.
All consignments of composite products must be accompanied by the relevant health certificate or private attestation and fulfil all other import conditions associated with importation of animal products.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) website provides detailed information on the requirements for importing composite food products.