New DEFRA Guidelines
In our daily work, we take care of your goods with dedication and responsibility. Today we want to share an important update regarding exports to the United Kingdom: the British authorities (DEFRA) have updated the documentation requirements for the transport of raw milk and dairy products subjected to heat treatments below pasteurisation.
What has changed?
Application of the GBHC416 certificate
According to the new directives, bovine milk products intended for human consumption that have undergone a heat treatment below pasteurisation must be exported using the GBHC416 certificate.
Obligation of additional documentation
The GBHC416 must be accompanied by supporting documentation, such as a production certificate or a declaration, certifying that the heat treatment has reached a temperature above 40 °C, thus demonstrating that the product does not fall under the definition of “raw milk” according to Annex 1 of Regulation 853/2004 (DEFRA).
Key definition according to the regulation
Raw milk, under British legislation, is defined as “milk produced by the secretion of the mammary gland which has not been heated to more than 40 °C or subjected to a treatment giving an equivalent effect”.
The new documentation is required to prove that the product does not fall into this category.
Specific rules for Italy
From 25 June 2025, imports into the United Kingdom of raw milk and derived products treated at temperatures below pasteurisation are suspended, unless a maturing process began before 23 May 2025.
What does this mean for temperature-controlled transport?
If you have medium-risk dairy products, in order to continue exports to the United Kingdom it is essential to:
Use exclusively the GBHC416 certificate, available in updated format on TRACES or other official channels.
- Attach an explicit declaration or a production certificate certifying the heat treatment with a temperature above 40 °C.
- Clearly and transparently indicate this minimum temperature in the documentation.
Attention: in the absence of this evidence, the British authorities may reject the entire shipment.
Our commitment at your side
At Fresh Ways, we believe that safety and trust are born from the precision of every detail. We therefore invite you to carefully review the documentation of your shipments, making sure that:
- the correct certificate (GBHC416) is used and in compliant format.
- the thermal declaration (above 40 °C) is clear and visible.
We are fully available to support you in this adjustment: with you, step by step, so that every shipment reaches its destination in full compliance with the rules, with the quality of Fresh Ways.
