Exports - frequently asked questions
The most commonly asked questions regarding exports and welfare in transport include:
- When I have applied for my export health certification, how soon will I receive the paperwork?
- Can Animal Health provide me with details of an Official Veterinarian who can complete my export health certification?
- Do I need any other documentation in addition to the export health certificate?
- How much will Animal Health charge for my export health certification?
- Where can I obtain advice on any testing requirements that needs to be carried out prior to exporting my animals?
- How do I apply for a logon for the Exports Online system?
- What Regulation covers the protection of animals during transport?
- How do I apply for a Transporter Authorisation?
- What is a Journey Log and when is one required?
- Are there any exemptions to Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005?
- If I have exported my pet animals, what do I need to do when returning to the UK?
When I have applied for my export health certification, how soon will I receive the paperwork?
Animal Health requests 7 – 10 working days to process your export application form. The export health certification produced will not be sent directly to you as the exporter but will instead be sent, usually by post, to your nominated Official Veterinarian. We aim to have your export health certification processed and sent to your nominated Official Veterinarian approximately 5 days in advance of your export date, however, this timescale can vary dependent upon high demand for certification.
Can Animal Health provide me with details of an Official Veterinarian who can complete my export health certification?
Animal Health can provide you with details of an Official Veterinarian in your local area who is on the correct export panel to enable completion of your export health certification. You will need to contact your Animal Health Regional or Divisional office to obtain this information.
Do I need any other documentation in addition to the export health certificate?
As the exporter it is your responsibility to contact the importing country to check their import requirements. The official veterinary department of the importing country will advise you if any other documentation is required. Some countries may require you to apply for an import permit. It is your responsibility, as the exporter, to ensure any additional requirements are met.
Additionally, if you are exporting an endangered species you may need to apply for a licence from Animal Health’s Wildlife Licensing and Registration Service (WLRS). Further details on licensing requirements for endangered species can be found on the Endangered Species pages of our website. Alternatively, you can contact WLRS to obtain further details of any requirements.
How much will Animal Health charge for my export health certification?
Animal Health do not currently charge for issuing export health certificates or providing support and guidance to exporters and their Official Veterinarians on export matters. You will, however, have to pay for the services of your nominated Official Veterinarian. Payment is a private matter to be arranged between yourself and your nominated Official Veterinarian.
Where can I obtain advice on any testing requirements that needs to be carried out prior to exporting my animals?
Any testing requirements that need to be carried out prior to exporting your animals can be found in the official statements and assurances of the export health certificate. Additional text and guidance on testing can be found in the supporting documentation, usually in the form of Notes for Guidance, that Animal Health supply to your nominated Official Veterinarian. It is advisable for you, when planning your export, to contact Animal Health’s Specialist Service Centre for Exports who will be able to provide you with specimen copies of the export health certificate and support documents to enable you to discuss and schedule any testing requirements with your nominated Official Veterinarian. It is essential that both you and your nominated Official Veterinarian read all specimen documentation provided by Animal Health thoroughly as some testing requirements contain time limitations as to when testing regimes must start and end. Additionally, Notes for Guidance that accompany the export health certificate will inform your Official Veterinarian which laboratories the test samples must be submitted to.
How do I apply for a logon for the Exports Online system?
Exporters are able to apply for third country export certification by obtaining an Exports Online logon and completing online export applications. Download an application form to apply for an Export Online logon (ET68) (PDF 510KB), or you can obtain a copy by e-mailing PolicyLiaisonTeam.Carlisle@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk who can supply you with a copy.
More details on how to obtain an EOL logon and the EOL system are available on the Defra website.
What Regulation covers the protection of animals during transport?
Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005. A copy of the Regulation can be downloaded from the Defra website.
How do I apply for a Transporter Authorisation?
There are two types of Transporter Authorisations. A Type 1 Transporter Authorisation covers journeys over 65km and up to 8 hours or a Type 2 Transporter Authorisation covers journeys over 8 hours. The application forms along with guidance notes can be downloaded from the Defra website. Details of where to return your completed application form can also be found on this webpage.
What is a Journey Log and when is one required?
Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 applies to the transport of certain animals. Where it applies, animals may have to be transported only by an approved transporter, who may need a journey log. A journey log is an official document that plans the journey and route intended to be taken by the approved transporter, accounting for any eventualities en route. Approved transporters need to submit a journey log to Animal Health’s Specialist Service Centre for Exports when intending to transport cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and unregistered horses over 8 hours to another EU Member State or to a third country. All journey logs received by Animal Health have the route timings, of each leg of the journey, calculated to ensure they comply with the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005.
Are there any exemptions to Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005?
Yes, the Regulation does not apply if:
- the transport is not in connection with an economic activity; or
- the transport is to or from veterinary practices or clinics under veterinary advice; or
- the animal is an individual animal, is accompanied by its owner or other responsible person and is fit for the intended journey; or
- the animal(s) are pet animals accompanied by their owner on a journey
If I have exported my pet animals, what do I need to do when returning to the UK?
You will need to comply with the UK rules for importing your pet animal back into the UK. Details can be found in our Importing Animals pages on this website. Alternatively, you can contact Animal Health’s Specialist Service Centre for Imports to obtain further details of any requirements.
