Welcome to DAERA Export Certificate System (DECS)
DECS SYSTEM UPGRADE - TUESDAY 3 MARCH 2026
The DECS online system will be upgraded on Tuesday 3 March 2026, between the hours of 12pm and 2pm.
Users may experience disruption during this time.
As part of the upgrade, a minor change to the file upload section has been introduced.
A new warning message will be presented if an application file upload exceeds the maximum permitted size (5MB).
If this message is displayed during the application process, users should take steps to reduce the file size before attempting to upload again.
The DAERA Export Certificate System, known as DECS, replaced DECOL in June 2025.
DECS is the system exporters must use to apply for official certification for exports to all third countries, GB, within NI, and some exports to EU, as applicable.
DECS is similar to other public facing government systems with which you may be familiar and should make the export application process easier. A guide which includes screen shots of the application process is available on the DAERA Internet:
Please consult this guidance in the first instance. However, if you have persistent issues with accessing the system or submitting applications, please contact your local DAERA or Council office (as appropriate) in the first instance.
PLEASE NOTE:
Applications must be made at least 2 working days in advance of the intended date of dispatch, allowing one full working day for processing, e.g., apply by Tuesday for Thursday dispatch.
Applications can be made no more than 10 working days in advance of date of dispatch.
Submitting EHC templates to DECS
When completing EHC templates obtained from Defra Form Finder or DAERA website you MUST use dedicated pdf reader software to do so. If you use other software, or complete it using your internet browser, it may render the EHC template incompatible and affect your ability to submit the application.
For information: Any information you provide in your DECS application is handled in accordance with the requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR 2016) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
The DAERA Privacy Statement Document is available at the link below:
DAERA Privacy Statement document - Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk)
HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS SYSTEM?
When accessing the DAERA Export Certificate System (DECS), exporter users may encounter issues with the functions available.
Examples could range from being unable to upload a document or successfully apply for an EHC to not receiving a confirmation email.
In these instances, exporters are asked to provide full details of the problem (including the system name, screenshots and any error messages) to DAERA at the following email address: DAERATradeExports@daera-ni.gov.uk
EXPORTER NOTICES - Important messages about the DECS service and export requirements are displayed below. We strongly recommend regular review of this information, as it may affect your export consignment.
MOVEMENT OF CONSIGNMENTS FROM NI WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION
- It is the exporter’s responsibility to ensure that an EHC has been issued by DAERA, Local Authority Certifier or nominated aPVP before your consignment is dispatched from NI.
- Submission of an application is no guarantee that an export health certificate, whether for an original or a replacement certificate, will be issued.
- DAERA takes no responsibility for consignments exported without certification in place prior to departure.
- Official certification will not be issued retrospectively once your consignment has left NI.
ADDITIONAL SCHEDULES UPDATED
Please be aware - the additional schedules available at the below DAERA Website link have been updated.
Exporters are advised to ensure that if these schedules are being used in support of an export application, the versions at the below link must be used.
Outdated versions retained locally must be disregarded.
Schedule for additional product information - Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
12 January 2026- EHC 7540 – Export of Dairy Products from Cows, Sheep, Goats and Buffaloes to TURKEY
Exporters should be aware that this EHC is now available for use again, however it must only be used for export of products manufactured in UK establishments which are approved for the relevant commodity on the Republic of Turkiye’s official list of approved establishments, TROIS, found here: https://trois.tarimorman.gov.tr
You must check that the manufacturing establishment is listed here before you make an export application
DAERA INTRODUCE NEW BACKGROUND CERTIFICATE: 8796 - FOR IMMEDIATE USE
Background Certificate (BC 8796) is available for application through the DECS system.
This certificate is to facilitate movement of animal products from NI to GB or EU, including Ireland (IE), where the receiving business requires assurance of matters over and above EU compliance to allow onward certification from GB / EU to a final third country destination.
The certificate and associated guidance can be found on the DAERA Website.
Stakeholder Industry Bulletin 5/24, issued on 12 September 2024, contained full details, including the circumstances under which this certificate must be used.
DAERA DAIRY CERTIFICATES 0001 AND 0015 - CLASSIFICATION CHANGE: EHC TO BACKGROUND CERTIFICATE
Dairy Exporters should note that the above noted EHC 0001 and EHC 0015 have been re-classified to Background Certificates.
Revised documents are now available on the DAERA Website, for use with immediate effect.
Forthcoming communications will outline the minor naming convention changes across the certificates and associated Notes for Guidance.
Any changes to 'in process' DECOL applications, using previous versions of these certificates, will be identified and advised by relevant DAERA Processing Offices.
Crown Gold Paper Removal- Participating Third Countries
For full details of all participating third countries, please view the Crown Gold Paper Removal- Participating Third Countries and other guidance document which can be found at the below link:
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-third-country-exports-information