Further information on equine movements to GB, ROI, exports to EU Member States and Third Countries
Registered and Unregistered equines and horses:
‘Equine’ animal means an animal of the species of solipeds belonging to the genus Equus (including horses, asses and zebras) and the offspring of crossings of those species. ‘Horse’ means an animal of the species Equus caballus
Registered equine animal means an animal defined in Article 2 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692
- A purebred breeding animal of the species Equus caballus and Equus asinus entered or eligible for entry in the main section of a breeding book established by a breed society or breeding body recognized in accordance with Article 4 or 34 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012
- A kept animal of the species Equus caballus registered with an international association or organisation, either directly or through its national federation or branches, which manages horses for competition or racing
To further clarify, the presence of a passport does not necessarily equal 'registered' status for export and trade purposes and certain passport issuing organisations can issue passports to both registered and unregistered horses. Registered status implies a higher health and welfare status for trade and export purposes because of either studbook entry or the regularity of veterinary checks and compliance with governing bodies’ vaccination policies and veterinary regulations for horses registered to compete internationally.
Movement/Export Requirements
Tripartite Agreement / Bipartite agreement
Prior to 1 January 2021 the TPA allowed for free movement of horses on the island of Ireland and to and from GB without the need for veterinary certification and also allowed movement of high health horses from UK and Ireland to France for racing/competition/breeding with a DOCOM issued from TRACES.
At the end of the transition period, all of the UK became a third country to the EU and is no longer party to the TPA.
However, DAERA and DAFM have agreed a new Bipartite agreement that allows the continued movement of horses (except those for slaughter) on the island of Ireland without the need for veterinary export health certification.
Movement between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
For the movement of horses (other than animals for slaughter) between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland free movement is allowed without the need for veterinary export health certification as long as each horse is accompanied by its passport.
In these cases, the Passport can be issued by any Passport Issuing Organisation.
Movement between Northern Ireland and Great Britain
For the movement of horses between NI and GB:
- From NI to GB: free movement is allowed without the need for veterinary export health certification as long as each horse is accompanied by its passport. In these cases, the Passport can be issued by any Passport Issuing Organisation
- From NI to GB via ROI Ports: an export health certificate is required. You will find this and its supporting documents under “Live Animals to GB and Isle of Man” in this link; Export Health Certificates (EHCs) not available on Form Finder | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk)
- Note from GB to NI: veterinary export health certification is required. Information on requirements for GB to NI moves can be found here: Moving Equidae | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk)
Export to EU Member States
- Export certification for horses (consignments of more than 1 animal) for breeding, production or slaughter to EU Member States (including registered horses)
Horses in this category must be accompanied by a passport and an animal health certificate issued by an approved Private Veterinary Practitioner (aPVP). The certificate is on TRACES NT and is one of a number of INTRA certificates for movements between EU Member States and NI.
In these cases, the passport can be issued by any Passport Issuing Organisation or for registered horses a passport that has been issued by a PIO designated and approved for that purpose. Equidae for slaughter means equidae intended to be transported directly to the slaughterhouse for slaughter.
Details of the INTRA community health certificate and support documents that are required for this export can be found here: - Export certification of an individual horse (not intended for slaughter) to EU Member States
Horses in this category must be accompanied by a passport and an animal health certificate issued by an approved Private Veterinary Practitioner (aPVP). The certificate is on TRACES NT and is one of a number of INTRA certificates for movements between NI and EU Member States.
In these cases, the passport can be issued by any Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO) or for registered horses a passport that has been issued by a PIO designated and approved for that purpose. Details of the INTRA community certificate and support documents that are required for this export can be found here:
Summary table of trade requirements
The table below outlines the documentation required for the trade in horses to EU Member States.
| Class of export from Northern Ireland | Documentation Required |
|---|---|
| Horses for slaughter to the Republic of Ireland (ROI) | Animal Health certificate EQUI-INTRA-CON and notified to the member state via TRACES NT A passport (issued by any Passport Issuing Organisation – PIO) |
| Horses (other than those for slaughter) to the ROI covered under the Bipartite Agreement (BPA) | A passport (issued by any Passport Issuing Organisation – PIO) |
| Horses (consignments of more than 1 animal) for breeding, production or slaughter to EU Member States (including registered horses) | Animal Health Certificate EQUI –INTRA-CON and notified to the member state via TRACES NT A passport (issued by any Passport Issuing Organisation – PIO) or for registered horses a passport that has been issued by a PIO designated and approved for that purpose |
| Movement of an individual horse not intended for slaughter to EU Member States including registered horses | Animal Health Certificate EQUI-INTRA-IND and notified to the member state via TRACES NT A passport (issued by any Passport Issuing Organisation – PIO) or for registered horses a passport that has been issued by a PIO designated and approved for that purpose |
Exports to Third Countries
You will need to check if the Third Country has agreed to accept equines from the UK. If so, an Export Health Certificate will be available. Please check the conditions for import to the Third Country in Guidance for the EHC along with the EHC itself, available at the DEFRA Form Finder.
How do I obtain the required veterinary export health certification?
Please click here for advice on applying for export health certificates on TRACES NT and DECOL.