Digital certification of EHCs is a vital step to reducing trade friction with the EU. We acknowledge that the Government cannot require the European Union to accept electronic certification for GB seafood and meat exports. Nevertheless, the Government should make agreement on the digital certification of EHCs a priority in its discussions with the EU, while also ensuring that the necessary technical challenges are overcome to enable certifying officers to easily certify EHCs online. Reaching such an agreement may become easier once EU imports to the UK are faced with the same paperwork.