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At the core of international trade lies public health and food safety, two aspects that are particularly critical when it comes to imports and exports to and from the Canary Islands. Strategically located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, these islands are exceptionally biodiverse and a major hub of commercial activity, making sanitary controls fundamental to protect the health of Canarians and preserve the integrity of ecosystems.
Sanitary controls in importation to the Canary Islands
Sanitary controls in importation are essential to prevent health risks associated with goods originating from third countries. These controls encompass a wide range of measures, from physical and documentary inspections to laboratory testing, all aimed at ensuring that goods meet established sanitary standards.
What products must undergo sanitary controls in importation to the Canary Islands and what is the procedure?
- Products of animal origin intended for human consumption or the food industry. Live fish and mollusks and their eggs and gametes, as well as snails, crustaceans, and live insects.
- Compound products and products of non-animal origin for human consumption or the food industry.
- Medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, and hygiene products and biocides for clinical use, subject to pharmaceutical control.
- Contaminating materials (human hair, old rags, used clothing and footwear, and others).
- Other goods susceptible to endangering human health.
Firstly, the operator must be registered in the General Register of Food Companies and Foodstuffs. Before the merchandise reaches the EU territory, prior notification is required. Additionally, necessary documentation such as the commercial invoice, Single Administrative Document (SAD), and a sanitary certificate in European format obtained by the exporter must be submitted.
Depending on the type of merchandise, a documentary control will be carried out, which may include identity checks, and in some cases, a physical control involving sampling. It is important to note that these products cannot be imported from all countries, as there is a list of authorized countries, nor can they be imported from all companies, as there is also a list of authorized establishments.
In the specific case of medicines, cosmetics, among others, customs management will be carried out through the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices. The merchandise must undergo the same controls mentioned above, such as documentary control and, if necessary, physical control.
Sanitary controls in exportation from the Canary Islands
Products exported from the Canary Islands to other destinations must comply with the sanitary requirements of the importing country, so it is essential to review the requirements before shipping the goods, and to comply with the established procedures to ensure successful exportation where the Canary Islands can maintain their good reputation as an international trading region.
What products must undergo sanitary controls in exportation from the Canary Islands and what is the procedure?
- Products of non-animal origin for human consumption.
- Medicines for human use, cosmetics, and medical devices.
For the exportation of products of animal origin, review our article “Controls on animal health in importation and exportation to/from the Canary Islands“.
The exportation of non-animal origin food products from the Canary Islands to non-European Union countries may require a specific sanitary certificate. This certificate, as established in the Order of May 12, 1993, must comply with the detailed requirements in Annex I of said order.
The health authorities of the Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands are responsible for issuing the official sanitary certificate required for the exportation of these non-animal origin food products. It is important to distinguish this export certificate from the free sale certificate, which simply confirms that the company is authorized to market its products within the European Union.
In the specific case of finished medicines for human use registered in Spain, notification must be made to the Department of Inspection and Control of Medicines, at least three business days before exportation. This notification must be made for each export operation and must include details about the specific medicines to be exported. For medicines not registered in Spain, prior authorization from the Department of Inspection and Control of Medicines is required to proceed with the exportation.
Regarding cosmetic products, they are not subject to sanitary control upon leaving national territory. This means that no specific sanitary certificate is required to export cosmetic products outside of Spain.
