The Certificate of Competence Uncovered
All information on animal transport certificateThe NFU have teamed up with Lantra Awards to exclusively offer our members a straightforward and cost effective way in which to take the Short Journey Certificate of Competency test.
For £30 + vat you will be able to visit your Regional Office and attend a two hour session. As part of the FMD 'aid package', it was agreed that those transporters moving animals on short journeys would not be checked for compliance with the certificate of competence until the 30th April 2008. This arrangements applies only to domestic journeys under 8 hours within the UK.
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The facts…what you need to know
The regulation:
Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations.
What is it?
This regulation forms part of an EU directive for the welfare of animals during transport. The regulation aims to ensure high minimum standards of welfare for all animals whilst they are being transported to and from markets, to slaughter and on export journeys in both the UK and throughout the European Union.
Who does it affect?
Anyone who transports livestock or poultry in connection with an economic activity, and who is travelling over 65km (approximately 40 miles), will need to
hold a Certificate of Competence to ensure compliance with the new EU regulations. This affects all transporters over 65km, this particular test is only available for those transporting on short journeys - i.e under 8 hours and domestic.
When does it come into force?
To avoid any possibility of enforcement action whilst abroad, exporters of farm livestock, horses and poultry should have obtained competence certificates before 5th of January 2008.
Which type of Certificate do I need?
There are two types of Certificate of Competence.
If you are travelling over 65km and for up to 8 hours then the Short Journey Certificate will apply.
If you are travelling over 65km and for more than 8 hours then the Long Journey Certificate will apply, for more information on the Long Journey please call NFU CallFirst 0870 8458458.
How long is it valid for?
Both the Short and Long Journey Certificates are valid for the lifetime of the legislation.
So, how do I take the Certificate of Competency?
The NFU have teamed up with Lantra Awards on a national basis to offer NFU members the opportunity to attend a Short Journey Certificate of Competence session which includes a workshop and the test. This aims to be simple and straightforward which on successful completion will ensure compliance with the new regulations.
Please not both the NPTC and Lantra Awards offer tests for the Certificate of Competency in livestock transport.
What does it involve?
The session will last for two hours and it is divided into a one hour workshop and a one hour written test. The sessions will be held at local NFU Group Offices throughout each region.
The workshop
The workshop offers you advice and information on the welfare of animals during transport and will help to prepare you for the test. In addition to the workshop there are Defra booklets available which guide you through the legislation. Please see the link below and scroll down for copies of the booklets.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare
The test
The test is straightforward! It is a written multiple choice test and is comprised of 25 general questions. You then choose to take a further 5 questions in each of the species of livestock that you wish to transport - cattle, sheep, goats pigs and horses.
The Certificate of Competency test in Poultry is a separate test. You can let your NFU Group Office know which test you would like to take when you register.
How do I register?
To register you just need to call your Regional Office - they will advise you of the time, date and the location of the test. The cost is £30 + vat (£35.25) per member test. This includes the workshop, the test, notification of your results and the Certificate of Competence.
Do I need anything else?
The Certificate of Competence regulation forms part of the requirement of the implementation of the Welfare of Animals During Transport regulation. In addition to the Certificate of Competence you will also need two other documents, which you may already be using:
- Transporter Authorisation
- Animal Transport Certificate
Transporter Authorisation
Transporter Authorisation application form they are available from the State Veterinary Service. The legislation requires those who transport livestock to complete one of these forms and once the license has been granted it is valid for 5 years. For a copy of the application form please click on the link below.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/regulat/forms
Animal Transport Certificate
An Animal Transport Certificate is required for journeys over 50km - this is not a new requirement and any other movement form that contains the correct information is sufficient, such as an AML form. So for sheep, goats and pigs, an AML form will satisfy the ATC requirement and you will not be required to fill in a separate form. Cattle movements over 50km will need to have an ATC.
For movements less than 50km and seasonal movements around the farm, ie grass keep you do not need to keep an Animal Transport Certificate.
Defra has a copy of a possible template for the Animal Transport Certificate.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/farmed/transport/pdf/wit6-atc.pdf
More information…
To register for the Certificate of Competence or for more information about the regulations and requirements, including the Long Journey Certificate of Competence please contact your Regional Office or NFU CallFirst 0870 8458458.
NFU Regional Offices:
North West 01695 554900 north.west@nfuonline.com
East Midlands 01572 824250 east.midlands@nfuonline.com
West Midlands 01952 400500 west.midlands@nfuonline.com
South West 01392 440700 south.west@nfuonline.com
South East 01730 711950 south.east@nfuonline.com
East Anglia 01638 672100 east.anglia@nfuonline.com
