Trade Control and Expert System

Trade Control and Expert System

The Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) is a web-based platform developed by the European Commission to facilitate the exchange of information between national authorities and businesses involved in the trade of animals, animal products, food, and feed. It is a crucial tool for ensuring the safety and compliance of goods entering and leaving the European Union (EU).

Overview

TRACES was established to streamline the process of issuing and verifying health certificates and other documents required for the import and export of goods within the EU. It helps in tracking the movement of goods and ensures that they meet the necessary health and safety standards.

The system is used by:

• Veterinary authorities
• Customs officials
• Importers
• Exporters

TRACES is designed to replace paper-based systems, reducing the risk of fraud and errors, and speeding up the process of document verification.

Functionality

TRACES provides several key functionalities:

• **Issuance of Certificates**: It allows for the electronic issuance of health certificates required for the trade of animals and animal products.
• **Tracking and Tracing**: The system enables the tracking of consignments from the point of origin to the destination, ensuring traceability.
• **Notification and Alerts**: TRACES can send notifications and alerts to relevant authorities in case of non-compliance or health risks.
• **Data Management**: It facilitates the management of data related to trade activities, helping authorities to monitor and analyze trade patterns.

Benefits

The implementation of TRACES offers several benefits:

• **Efficiency**: By digitizing the certification process, TRACES reduces the time and resources needed for document handling.
• **Transparency**: It provides a transparent system for all parties involved, ensuring that all steps in the trade process are visible and verifiable.
• **Compliance**: TRACES helps ensure that all traded goods comply with EU regulations, protecting public health and safety.
• **Fraud Prevention**: The system reduces the risk of fraudulent activities by providing a secure and reliable platform for document exchange.

Related pages

• European Union
• Veterinary certificate
• Customs
• Food safety

See also

• Single Window System
• Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
• World Trade Organization