What Is a Common Health Entry Document (CHED)?

A Common Health Entry Document (CHED) is an official import document used by the European Union (EU) to notify and control the entry of certain goods that may pose a risk to human health, animal health, or plant health. It is submitted through the EU's TRACES NT (Trade Control and Expert System New Technology) platform before the goods arrive at an EU Border Control Post (BCP).

The CHED allows border authorities to perform the necessary documentary, identity, and physical checks before goods are released for free circulation within the EU.

Why Is a CHED Required?

The CHED is designed to:

• Protect public health

• Prevent the spread of animal and plant diseases

• Ensure imported products comply with EU food and safety regulations

• Facilitate risk assessment and border inspections

• Improve traceability of imported goods

Without a valid CHED, regulated goods cannot normally enter the European Union.

What Types of Goods Require a CHED?

Depending on the product category, a CHED may be required for:

• Food products

• Animal products (meat, dairy, seafood)

• Live animals

• Plants and plant products

• Animal feed

• Certain composite products

• High-risk food and feed of non-animal origin

• Other products subject to EU sanitary or phytosanitary controls

Whether a CHED is required depends on the product's classification and applicable EU regulations.

Types of CHED

The EU uses several versions of the Common Health Entry Document, including:

Each document is tailored to a specific category of imported goods.

Information Included in a CHED

A CHED typically contains:

• Importer and exporter information

• Consignor and consignee details

• Description of goods

• Commodity codes

• Country of origin

• Border Control Post (BCP)

• Means of transport

• Quantity and packaging details

• Supporting certificates (health or phytosanitary certificates, if applicable)

• Inspection results

• Customs reference numbers

How Does the CHED Process Work?

The typical process is:

1. The importer or customs representative prepares the CHED in TRACES NT.

2. The CHED is submitted before the shipment arrives at the EU Border Control Post.

3. Border authorities review the documentation.

4. If required, identity and physical inspections are performed.

5. The competent authority validates the CHED.

6. Customs uses the validated CHED to release the goods.

Only after the required checks are completed can the shipment proceed into the EU market.

Who Is Responsible for Completing the CHED?

The CHED is usually prepared by:

• The importer

• An authorized customs broker

• A freight forwarder

• An import representative acting on behalf of the importer

The importer remains responsible for ensuring the information is complete and accurate.

CHED vs. Health Certificate

These documents serve different purposes.

In many cases, both documents are required for the same shipment.

What Happens If a CHED Is Missing?

Failure to submit a required CHED may result in:

• Customs clearance delays

• Border inspection holds

• Additional inspection fees

• Refusal of entry into the EU

• Return or destruction of the goods

• Financial penalties in certain situations

Proper preparation is essential to avoid costly disruptions.

Best Practices for Importers

To ensure smooth EU customs clearance:

• Determine whether your products require a CHED before shipping.

• Submit the CHED well before the shipment arrives.

• Ensure all supporting certificates are accurate and valid.

• Coordinate closely with your supplier, freight forwarder, and customs broker.

• Verify that the goods are routed through an approved EU Border Control Post.

Conclusion

A Common Health Entry Document (CHED) is a mandatory EU import document used to notify authorities and facilitate health and safety inspections for regulated goods entering the European Union. By ensuring accurate and timely CHED submissions, importers can minimize customs delays, comply with EU regulations, and keep their international supply chains moving efficiently.