# What is “CertEX” and how does the system work?

In NL/EU day‑to‑day practice, people often use “CertEX” as an umbrella term for the<span> </span>**digital certificates/official controls workflow**<span> </span>around<span> </span>**(pre‑)notification and border controls**. The core is:

- **TRACES NT**<span> </span>is the EU system where consignments that fall under SPS/official controls are<span> </span>**notified**<span> </span>using a<span> </span>**CHED**:
    - **CHED-P**<span> </span>(plants/plant products),
    - **CHED-A**<span> </span>(animals),
    - **CHED-PP**<span> </span>(products of animal origin / POAO),
    - **CHED-D**<span> </span>(certain goods / food &amp; feed of non‑animal origin, depending on the regime).
- In the Netherlands this is commonly referred to as<span> </span>**“GGB”**<span> </span>(Gemeenschappelijk Gezondheidsdocument bij Binnenkomst) — in practice the Dutch naming/handling of the<span> </span>**CHED**<span> </span>workflow.

**Process at a glance (end‑to‑end):**

1. **Scope check**: does the commodity/consignment fall under EU “official controls” (phytosanitary, veterinary, high‑risk FNAO, etc.)?
2. **Pre‑notification**: importer/agent creates a<span> </span>**CHED/GGB**<span> </span>in TRACES NT and attaches:
    - consignment details (origin, destination, HS/commodity code, quantities, packaging),
    - documents (certificates, analyses, attestations),
    - logistics (BIP/BCP, ETA, container/vessel/flight data).
3. **Arrival &amp; controls**<span> </span>by NVWA/BCP:
    - documentary check,
    - identity check,
    - (where applicable) physical check / sampling.
4. **Decision**: release / release with conditions / rejection / redirection / destruction / re‑export.
5. **Downstream effect**: release is often a prerequisite for<span> </span>**customs clearance**<span> </span>and onward movement.

Important: a<span> </span>**CHED/GGB is consignment‑based**, not “product‑based”. You can’t use one CHED indefinitely for multiple physical shipments.