defra logo
|
 
Start of content

What you need to do

Checking Import Requirements

Before planning the shipment of any consignment, importers must firstly check what import licence and certification is required to accompany the consignment into Great Britain.

Importer Information Notes provide a summary of general conditions and veterinary checks required for imports of animals and animal products. These are available on the Defra website.

If you are unable to find the relevant information contained in the Importer information Notes contact:

General Licences

Many animals and products of animal origin can be imported under the terms of a general licence. To do so importers are not required to apply for a specific licence, but must comply with the conditions of the general licence. Details of general licences are available on the Defra website.

Importers that wish to import a commodity which is covered by a general licence should familiarise themselves with the conditions. You must be able to comply with all the conditions set out in the licence/authorisation.

If you are unsure as to whether the animal or animal products you are importing can be done so under general licence please contact:

Specific Licences

If not covered by the conditions of a general licence, importers are required to apply for a specific import licence by completing an import licence application form. Further details on the application process and application forms can be found on the Defra website.

If you are unsure as to whether you need to apply for a specific licence please contact:

Importing Pet Birds or Conservation Birds from a Third Country (non-EU member states)
If you are importing a pet bird or conservation bird form a third country (non-EU Member State) you will need to apply for a specific import licence:

National Trade

Import Licences may also be required for import trade into Great Britain from other United Kingdom dependencies - Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Such imports are commonly known as National Trade.

Some general licences are available on the Defra website for National trade imports.

If you are unsure as to whether you need to apply for a general or specific licence for National Trade imports please contact:

Rabies Controls, Quarantine and the PETS Travel Scheme

Cats, dogs and other rabies susceptible animals that do not qualify for entry into the UK under the PETS travel scheme are required by law to spend 4 months in quarantine. Details of the procedures to import a rabies susceptible animal into quarantine and a list of approved quarantine premises can be found on the Defra website.

Comprehensive details of the PETS travel scheme can also be found on the Defra website.

Importing Live Animals from an EU Member State and from Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands

If you are importing a live animal(s) from an EU Member State, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands you are required to provide an importer notification to Animal Health. Importer notifications are required for all species of animal with the exception of registered horses. Importer notification must be submitted to the local Animal Health office responsible for the place of destination of the animal(s) and must:

  • Be in writing, giving the following details:

    - Name, full postal address and telephone number of the Importer
    - Name, full postal address and telephone number of the place destination
    - Date and time of arrival at place of destination
    - Details of the animal(s) being imported including quantity, breed, sex, passport number (if applicable), name (if applicable)
    - Name and full postal address of the premises of origin where the animal(s) are being imported from
    - Signature and date

  • Be received by Animal Health at least 24 hours before the expected time of arrival of the animal(s)

The Animal Health office responsible for the place of destination of the animal(s) will be able to provide you with a form on which to submit your importer notification.

Importing Live Animals from a Third Country (non-EU Member State) through a Border Inspection Post

If you are importing a live animal(s) from a Third Country (a non-EU Member State) you are required to provide details of the consignment to the Border Inspection Post (BIP) at the port or airport of entry. A list of live animal BIPs is available on the Defra website.

Importer notification must be submitted to the BIP by means of a completed Common Veterinary Entry Document for Animals (CVEDA) Part I. This can be submitted manually or on the EU’s TRAde Control and Expert System (TRACES) or by submitting an Importer Notification containing the same details as above.

Details on how importer’s can obtain a TRACES logon and user guidance is available on the Defra website.

Endangered Species

If you are importing an endangered species you may need to apply for a licence from Animal Health’s Wildlife Licensing and Registration Service. Further details on the licensing requirements for endangered species can be found on the Endangered Species pages of our website. Alternatively, you can contact Animal Health to obtain further details of any requirements.

Page last modified: 4 January, 2012