A method provided that is performed at one or more intermediate nodes in a path in a network. The node receives a packet having a header that includes metadata that has been accumulated as the packet travels along the path in the network. The node detects whether a trigger condition has occurred. In response to detecting that the trigger condition has occurred, the node exports, to a destination entity, at least a portion of the metadata that has been accumulated in the header so that the portion of the metadata is removed from the header after it has been exported.