What is a Common Health Entry Document (CHED)?
A Common Health Entry Document (CHED) is the standard EU form for consignments that are subject to official health checks at the border. The importer, or the person responsible for the load, completes Part I in the EU’s TRACES system before the goods arrive. The border control post then records the result of its checks in Part II and decides whether the consignment can enter.
CHEDs were introduced under the EU Official Controls Regulation (EU) 2017/625, and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1715 sets the rules for TRACES. They have applied since December 2019.
Core principle: No CHED, no entry. Regulated food, animal and plant goods cannot clear customs until the border control post has signed off the CHED.
The four types of CHED
CHED-A
What it is: For live animals.
Why it matters: Covers animal health and welfare checks.
CHED-P
What it is: For products of animal origin, germinal products and animal by-products, such as meat, dairy, fish or gelatine.
Why it matters: Covers one of the most common categories for food importers.
CHED-D
What it is: For feed and food of non-animal origin subject to increased checks, such as certain nuts, spices or dried fruit.
Why it matters: Requirements depend on the product and its country of origin.
CHED-PP
What it is: For plants, plant products and other objects subject to plant health checks.
Why it matters: Includes many fresh fruits, vegetables and cut flowers.
How the process works
- The importer or its agent creates the CHED in TRACES before the consignment arrives, usually at least one working day in advance.
- The consignment arrives at a designated border control post (BCP).
- Officials carry out documentary, identity and, where required, physical checks.
- The BCP completes the CHED decision, which customs needs before releasing the goods.
CHED in the UK
Since Brexit, Great Britain uses its own system, IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System), for import notifications. Goods moving from Great Britain into the EU still need CHED processing at an EU border control post.
Example: A health-food brand imports dried mushrooms from China into the EU. If the product is listed for increased checks, its agent submits a CHED-D in TRACES before the container reaches the border control post in Hamburg. Only once the CHED is approved can the goods be cleared and moved to the fulfilment warehouse.
Frequently asked questions
Who completes the CHED?
The operator responsible for the consignment, usually the importer or its customs agent, completes Part I. The border control post completes Part II.
Is a CHED the same as a health certificate?
No. The health certificate is issued by the exporting country; the CHED is the EU entry document that records the border checks.
Do CITES-listed goods need a CHED?
They can. Animals and plants may need both a CHED for health checks and a CITES permit for conservation rules.
Official resources: TRACES (European Commission) · Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1715. Related: CITES.
