Trade within the European Community Within the European Single Market, the conditions of trade in most products is harmonised. This means that, regardless of whether a product is destined for the UK market or another Member State of the European Union, certain basic trade requirements have to be met. These include requirements for meat and some other animal products to be marked as complying with the relevant hygiene requirements and for all consignments to be accompanied by commercial documents which provide basic information such as the premises of production. The aim of MAFF is to assist exports by providing certification, wherever possible, to meet the requirements of the Third Country in question. The requirements vary considerably according to the country and product.
Exporters have an important role in the certification procedure.