Importing Equines from Great Britain
This page provides information on the import conditions which have applied since 1 January 2021, for horses entering Northern Ireland (NI) from Great Britain (GB). It also provides documents which will help to make sure you have all the required import paperwork
If you are planning to import horses into NI from GB, whether for competition, breeding, or other purposes, it is important to ensure that you comply with all the requirements set out by the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
There are 4 types of import movements from GB linked to equines.
Please either scroll down or select the relevant shortcut from the list to the right to view the applicable requirements.
1. Equine animals not intended for slaughter, including transiting NI to an EU Member State
1.1. Identification requirements
All equines must be identified by a microchip that meets ISO standards and must have a valid identification document .
Unregistered equines must also have a government issued (APHA) supplementary travel ID in addition to their identification document . The supplementary travel ID is kept together with the horse identification document and the EHC with the animal during travel. The supplementary travel ID will be valid for a single journey to the EU/NI and return to GB. A new supplementary travel ID is required every time an unregistered horse is moved to the EU/NI.
Further guidance is available here
1.2. Disease control import requirement
EHC number The animal must have a valid Export Health Certificate (EHC) issued by the competent authority in the country of origin or departure. The EHC is a legal document that confirms the animal meets the health requirements of the destination country. The EHC required for this movement is 8431 and can be accessed here.
Fulfilment of these conditions is a matter for consideration between the exporter and their OV in GB
Port of entry The animal must enter NI through an approved Border Control Post (BCP) or designated point of entry. The NI approved points of entry for equine animals are the Port of Larne and Port of Belfast. Following disembarkation the person in charge of the animals must report immediately to a Portal Inspector and co-operate with DAERA staff as required. Animals may not leave the Port until a Portal Inspector has authorised such departure
Pre-notification All consignments of equines must be pre-notified to DAERA at Larne or Belfast port on TRACES-NT using a CHED-A. One CHED-A per equine animal is required, multiple equines per CHED are not permitted. The importer or person responsible for the consignment must be registered on TRACES NT before the import can take place. Guidance on TRACES NT registration, pre-notification and CHED A completion can be found at this link . Pre-notification on TRACES NT must be completed at least 24 hours before arrival.
Residency Residency requirements vary depending on the registered status of the equine and the initial origin of the equine. Please check the guidance notes for further detail, available here.
Blood tests Tests are required for Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) for all equines. All tests must be carried out in a laboratory recognised by GB for equine export testing. The animal must test negative for these diseases before being allowed to enter NI.
CPH number The exporter in GB must have a valid County Parish Holding (CPH) number, which is a unique identification number used to register and track agricultural and horticultural businesses in GB.
NI registration of establishment The importer must have a registered establishment in NI. The establishment must be approved on Traces NT by the competent authority in NI. Guidance on how to apply for the registration is available here
1.3. Welfare in transport
Under EC 1/2005, a journey which is classed as ‘economic’, is not limited to transport where an immediate exchange of money, goods or services takes place. Transport for economic purposes includes transport which directly or indirectly involves, or aims at, a financial gain.
In general, transport of equines in connection to an economic activity require compliance with ‘The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006’ and Council Regulation EC 1/2005. Further guidance on these requirements is available via the following links:
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/welfare-animals-during-transport
1.4. Useful links
2. Movement back to the EU and NI of registered horses for racing, competition and cultural events after temporary import to GB for a period of less than 30 days
2.1. Identification requirements
This type of movement is limited to registered equines only. Registered equidae means equidae accompanied by an identification document (Identification document ) which has been issued by either:
(a) an EU recognised organisation or association which manages a studbook or register for that breed of animal; or
(b) a national body of an international association or organisation which manages horses for competition or racing
Please note, having a identification document does not mean that the equine is a registered equine, additional conditions as listed above must be met.
All equines must be identified by a microchip that meets ISO standards and must have a valid identification document for registered equines.
2.2. Disease control import requirements
Health certification The animal must have a valid health certificate issued by a competent authority in the country of origin or departure. The health certificate must confirm that the animal has not been in contact with any infectious or contagious diseases during the previous 30 days and must include a statement that the animal is fit to travel. The relevant certificate is 8433 and can be accessed here. Fulfilment of these conditions is a matter for consideration between the exporter and their OV in GB.
Testing Only registered equines returning to EU/NI within 30 days of exit after racing / competition in GB can avail of this re-entry EHC that does not require any blood testing.
Port of entry The animal must enter NI through an approved Border Control Post (BCP) or designated point of entry. The NI approved points of entry for equine animals are the Port of Larne and Port of Belfast. Following disembarkation the person in charge of the animals must report immediately to a Portal Inspector and co-operate with DAERA staff as required. Animals may not leave the Port until a Portal Inspector has authorised such departure
Pre-notification All consignments of equines must be pre-notified to DAERA at Larne or Belfast port on TRACES-NT using a CHED-A. One CHED-A per equine animal is required, multiple equines per CHED are not permitted. The importer or person responsible for the consignment must be registered on TRACES NT before the import can take place. Guidance on TRACES NT registration, pre-notification and CHED A completion can be found at this link . Pre-notification on TRACES NT must be completed at least 24 hours before arrival.
CPH number The exporter in GB must have a valid County Parish Holding (CPH) number, which is a unique identification number used to register and track agricultural and horticultural businesses in GB.
NI registration of establishment The importer must have a registered establishment in NI. The establishment must be approved on Traces NT by the competent authority in NI. Guidance on how to apply for the registration is available here
2.3. Welfare in transport
Under EC 1/2005, a journey which is classed as ‘economic’, is not limited to transport where an immediate exchange of money, goods or services takes place. Transport for economic purposes includes transport which directly or indirectly involves, or aims at, a financial gain.
In general, transport of equines in connection to an economic activity require compliance with ‘The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006’ and Council Regulation EC 1/2005. Further guidance on these requirements is available via the following links:
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/welfare-animals-during-transport
2.4. Useful links
3. Movement back to the EU and NI of registered competition horses after temporary import into GB for a period of less than 90 days to participate in an event organised by the FEI
3.1. Identification requirements
This type of movement is limited to registered equines only. Registered equidae means equidae accompanied by an identification document (Identification document ) which has been issued by either:
(a) an EU recognised organisation or association which manages a studbook or register for that breed of animal; or
(b) a national body of an international association or organisation which manages horses for competition or racing
Please note, having a identification document does not mean that the equine is a registered equine, additional conditions as listed above must be met.
All equines must be identified by a microchip that meets ISO standards and must have a valid identification document for registered equines.
3.2. Disease control import requirements
Health certification The animal must have a valid health certificate issued by a competent authority in the country of origin or departure. The health certificate must confirm that the animal has not been in contact with any animals suffering from infectious or contagious diseases transmissable to equine animals during the previous 15 days and must include a statement that the animal is fit to travel. The relevant certificate is 8434 and can be accessed here. Fulfilment of these conditions is a matter for consideration between the exporter and their OV in GB.
Blood tests Only registered equines returning to EU/NI within 90 days of exit after attending an FEI event in GB can avail of this re-entry EHC that does not require any blood testing.
Port of entry The animal must enter NI through an approved Border Control Post (BCP) or designated point of entry. The NI approved points of entry for equine animals are the Port of Larne and Port of Belfast. Following disembarkation the person in charge of the animals must report immediately to a Portal Inspector and co-operate with DAERA staff as required. Animals may not leave the Port until a Portal Inspector has authorised such departure
Pre-notification All consignments of equines must be pre-notified to DAERA at Larne or Belfast port on TRACES-NT using a CHED-A. One CHED-A per equine animal is required, multiple equines per CHED are not permitted. The importer or person responsible for the consignment must be registered on TRACES NT before the import can take place. Guidance on TRACES NT registration, pre-notification and CHED A completion can be found at this link . Pre-notification on TRACES NT must be completed at least 24 hours before arrival.
CPH number The exporter in GB must have a valid County Parish Holding (CPH) number, which is a unique identification number used to register and track agricultural and horticultural businesses in GB
NI registration of establishment The importer must have a registered establishment in NI. The establishment must be approved on Traces NT by the competent authority in NI. Guidance on how to apply for the registration is available here
3.3. Welfare in transport
Under EC 1/2005, a journey which is classed as ‘economic’, is not limited to transport where an immediate exchange of money, goods or services takes place. Transport for economic purposes includes transport which directly or indirectly involves, or aims at, a financial gain.
In general, transport of equines in connection to an economic activity require compliance with ‘The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006’ and Council Regulation EC 1/2005. Further guidance on these requirements is available via the following links:
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/welfare-animals-during-transport
3.4. Useful links
4. Equine animals not intended for slaughter for transit through the European Union and Northern Ireland
4.1. Identification requirements
All equines must be identified by a microchip that meets ISO standards and must have a valid identification document .
Unregistered equines must also have a government issued (APHA) supplementary travel ID in addition to their identification document . The supplementary travel ID is kept together with the horse identification document and the EHC with the animal during travel. The supplementary travel ID will be valid for a single journey to the EU/NI and return to GB. A new supplementary travel ID is required every time an unregistered horse is moved to the EU/NI.
Further guidance is available here
4.2. Disease control import requirements
EHC number The animal must have a valid Export Health Certificate (EHC) issued by the competent authority in the country of origin or departure. The EHC is a legal document that confirms the animal meets the health requirements of the destination country. The EHC required for this movement is 8432 and can be accessed here .
Fulfilment of these conditions is a matter for consideration between the exporter and their OV in GB
Port of entry The animal must enter NI through an approved Border Control Post (BCP) or designated point of entry. The NI approved points of entry for equine animals are the Port of Larne and Port of Belfast. Following disembarkation the person in charge of the animals must report immediately to a Portal Inspector and co-operate with DAERA staff as required. Animals may not leave the Port until a Portal Inspector has authorised such departure
Pre-notification All consignments of equines must be pre-notified to DAERA at Larne or Belfast port on TRACES-NT using a CHED-A. One CHED-A per equine animal is required, multiple equines per CHED are not permitted. The importer or person responsible for the consignment must be registered on TRACES NT before the import can take place. Guidance on TRACES NT registration, pre-notification and CHED A completion can be found at this link . Pre-notification on TRACES NT must be completed at least 24 hours before arrival.
CPH number The exporter in GB must have a valid County Parish Holding (CPH) number, which is a unique identification number used to register and track agricultural and horticultural businesses in GB
4.3. Welfare in transport
Under EC 1/2005, a journey which is classed as ‘economic’, is not limited to transport where an immediate exchange of money, goods or services takes place. Transport for economic purposes includes transport which directly or indirectly involves, or aims at, a financial gain.
In general, transport of equines in connection to an economic activity require compliance with ‘The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006’ and Council Regulation EC 1/2005. Further guidance on these requirements is available via the following links:
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/welfare-animals-during-transport
4.4. Useful links