Some haulage companies involved in the transport of Animal By-Products (ABPs) will need to register their operations with Animal Health once new legislation is introduced in the UK.
The new EU regulations, which will apply from 4 March, and aim to be implemented in the UK shortly after, will require all transporters of ABPs to register with Animal Health unless they are an integral part of an already approved or registered operation (such as an approved rendering company or registered collection centre).
Hauliers that are contracted to, but nor owned by, an approved or registered operation will require separate registration. Livestock keepers transporting their own animal carcasses will not be required to register.
The new regulations have been brought in to improve the traceability of ABPs, and to help ensure ABPs are being transported in a compliant manner.
The change is likely to affect a much larger number of operators than existing legislation, and will include independent hauliers of meat and bone meal and transporters of tallow.
"Previous legislation required anyone transporting ABPs to do so in a ’legal manner’ – however, they did not need to be registered by Animal Health before operating," said Brenda Foster, Veterinary Services Manager for Animal Health.
"When the new rules are introduced independent hauliers and transporters carrying animal by-products or derived products as part of their business will need to register their operation with Animal Health."
Hauliers wishing to register their operations will soon be able to download the registration application form from the Animal Health website. Full instructions on how to complete and submit the form will be provided. Businesses that do not have access to the internet should contact their local Animal Health office for more details.
Once operators have notified Animal Health, in England and Wales they will receive written confirmation of their registered status. In Scotland the document will be provided by the Scottish Government following a recommendation from Animal Health. In certain circumstances a post registration inspection will be considered necessary, and hauliers will be contacted to arrange a suitable time and date for an inspection to take place.