Other animal species movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland

Topics:

The following details the requirements for the movement of other species from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
Please select the relevant link below to view the applicable requirements.

1. Useful links 

2. General overview of commercial versus non-commercial travel

2.1. Legislation

Commercial animal movements are subject to EU Regulations 2016/429 and 2017/625 (and its delegating/implementing acts)

Non-Commercial pet animal movements are subject to EU Regulation 576/2013 and its associated regulations.

2.2. Species

Only the following species may be considered as pet animals for the purpose of non-commercial travel: dogs, cats, ferrets, reptiles, invertebrates (other than bees/bumble bees), amphibia, ornamental aquatic fish, birds (other than poultry/pigeons), rodents and pet rabbits.

No other species can be considered as pet animals for the purpose of movements.

Should the consignment exceed 5 pets per owner, please follow the guidance for commercial travel.

2.3. Definition commercial movement means

  • any movement which has as its aim either the sale of or the transfer of ownership of a pet animal or
  • a movement of more than 5 pet animals per person and the movement is not for the purpose of attending a show, competition or event, or training for such event
  • Flowchart to identify commercial pet travel

Guidance on GB to NI ferry booking requirements for commercial movements is available on Guidance on bringing commercial transports of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets to NI from GB.

2.4. Point of Entry for non-commercial movements

Pet animals moving to the EU or Northern Ireland (NI) as a non-commercial movement must enter the EU or NI through a Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE). Unless otherwise specified in the specific guidance per species, the owner or authorised traveller must present the pet animal and all relevant documentation to DAERA officials at time of entry for the purpose of identity and documentary checks.

The list of NI TPEs is available on Travelling to Northern Ireland with pets for non-commercial purposes - Designated Points of Entry – you must contact the TPE ahead of travel to arrange the inspection.

The list of all EU TPEs is available on Travellers' points of entry | food.ec.europa.eu.

2.5. Point of Entry for commercial movements

Animals entering the EU or Northern Ireland as a commercial movement, must:

3. Pet dog, cat, ferret - non-commercial pet animal movements 

For non-commercial dog/cat/ferret pet animal movements with their owner, please see guidance on Travelling with Pets.

If you will be arriving into Northern Ireland via air, you must contact daeratradeimports@daera-ni.gov.uk at least 10 days in advance of your intended date of travel to pre-notify your arrival. 

For further details on the movement of other pet species or commercial movements of pet animals, please select the relevant link from the main menu above.

4. Dog, cat, ferret - commercial movements

To identify a commercial movement versus a non-commercial pet movement, please go to the ‘General overview ’ link in the main headings

Commercial movement requirements are detailed on Guidance on bringing commercial transports of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets to NI from GB.

5. Commercial movement - captive birds, other than pet birds or racing pigeons immediately released after entry

Currently there is no Approved Quarantine Establishment within NI. As a consequence, captive birds (other than pet bird movements), including pigeons for further keeping, are unable to be moved directly from GB into the island of Ireland. These birds must be moved via another EU member state which has quarantine facilities before onwards movement to NI is possible.

Definition

Captive birds’ means any birds other than poultry that are kept in captivity, including those that are kept for shows, races, exhibitions, competitions, breeding or selling.

Excluded are birds kept in captivity for the following reasons:

  1. the production of:
    1. meat
    2. eggs for consumption
    3. other products
  2. restocking supplies of game birds
  3. the purpose of breeding of birds used for the types of production referred to in points (a) and (b)
  4. racing pigeons immediately released after entry

5.1. Identification requirements

“Identification number” Captive Birds must be identified in line with Article 53 of Commission Delegated Regulation 2020/692. This requires a unique marked closed ring attached at least to one leg of the animal with a visible, legible and indelible display of an alphanumeric code or an injectable transponder with a legible and indelible display of a numeric code that contains at least the following information:

  1. the code of the third country or territory where they were initially identified conforming with ISO Standard 3166 in the two-letter or three-letter format.
  2. a unique serial number.

5.2. Disease control movement requirements

Port of entry Landing must take place at either the Port of Larne or the Port of Belfast and the person in charge of the animals must report immediately following disembarkation to a Portal Inspector and must 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 poultry must be pre-notified to DAERA at either Larne or Belfast Port on TRACES-NT using a CHED-A. The importer or person responsible for the consignment must be registered on TRACES NT before the movement can take place. Guidance on TRACES NT registration, pre-notification and CHED A completion can be found on Getting started | webgate.ec.europa.eu and Common Health Entry Document | webgate.ec.europa.eu. Pre-notification on TRACES NT must be completed at least 24 hours before arrival.

Export health certificate The animals to be imported must be accompanied by an original health certificate EHC 8460. The necessary health certificate and the conditions therein required for export from GB to NI can be viewed Captive birds, other than racing pigeons immediately released after entry to the European Union and Northern Ireland: certificate 8460 | www.gov.uk. The health certificate must certify that the flock was inspected within 24 hours of loading to NI. The health certificate and the schedule must be signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) appointed by the appropriate authority in Great Britain. Fulfilment of these attestations is a matter for consideration between the exporter and their OV in GB

The establishment must be named and supplied with an approval number that appears on a list of establishments drawn up and published by the Commission.

The Export health certificate includes requirements that the animals must not have had contact with animals of a lower health status since hatching or for a continuous period of at least 3 weeks prior to loading for dispatch, testing and/or assurance requirements for Avian Influenza, Avian Chlamydiosis, and Newcastle Disease

Cleaning and disinfection The transport vehicle must be cleansed so as to remove all visible organic matter. It must be disinfected with a disinfectant approved by Defra prior to loading of the animals. During transport the imported animals must not come into contact with animals that are not certified as being of the same health status.

GB residency information Captive Birds, other than racing pigeons immediately released after entry must have remained in the establishment of origin since hatching or for a continuous period of either at least 3 weeks prior to the date of loading for dispatch.

CITES Some species of birds are covered by the CITES legislation. If you wish to import birds which are among the CITES listed species, the birds must be accompanied by the appropriate CITES documentation in addition to the appropriate EHC and transported according to “CITES guidelines for transport | cites.org”

The main office for the UK is based in Bristol and further information can be obtained from the UK CITES website Please contact the CITES licensing Section (telephone 0117 372 3700 email wildlife.licensing@apha.gov.uk)  for further advice

5.3. Post movement requirements

Following their entry, consignments of captive birds shall be transported without delay directly to an approved quarantine establishment where they will remain for a period of 30 days and be subject to additional testing. As mentioned previously, there is currently no approved quarantine establishment in the island of Ireland.

5.4. Welfare during transport requirements

This journey is classed as a commercial transport and as such, all requirements under ‘The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006’ and Council Regulation EC 1/2005 must be complied with. Further guidance on these requirements is available via the following links:

6. Pet birds – up to 5 pet birds per owner

Owners who wish to bring up to 5 pet birds (pigeons or poultry are not considered as pet birds) from GB to Northern Ireland must be accompanied by EHC number 8217. The specimen certificate and notes for guidance for the completion of this certificate can be found at Pet birds to the European Union: certificate 8217 | gov.uk on the gov.uk website.

This EHC must be completed by an official veterinarian in GB who has examined the birds within 48 hours prior to dispatch from GB.

Fulfilment of the conditions of the EHC is a matter for consideration between the exporter and their OV.

The pet birds must enter NI via a Traveller’s Point of Entry (TPE) and must be made available to DAERA portal staff for documentary and identity checks.

TPEs are Belfast and Larne port, Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport, City of Derry Airport.

Upon arrival in Northern Ireland, the birds must be moved to the owners household and must not be entered in any shows, fairs, exhibitions or other gatherings for a period of 30 days.

7. Racing pigeons to be immediately released after entry

7.1. Identification requirements

The animals are required to be identified with an individual identification number by means of a unique closed ring attached to at least one leg of the animal with a visible, legible, and indelible display of an alphanumeric code that contains the code of the country or territory they were initially identified in the format of two-letter or three-letter and a unique serial number.

7.2. Disease control movement requirements

Port of entry Landing must take place at either the Port of Larne or the Port of Belfast and the person in charge of the animals must report immediately following disembarkation to a Portal Inspector and must 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 must be pre-notified to DAERA at either Larne or Belfast Port at least 24 hours before arrival on TRACES-NT using a CHED-A. The importer or person responsible for the consignment must be registered on TRACES NT before the movement can take place. Guidance on TRACES NT registration, pre-notification and CHED A completion can be found on Getting started | webgate.ec.europa.eu and Common Health Entry Document | webgate.ec.europa.eu.

Export health certificate The necessary health certificate and the conditions therein required for export from GB to NI can be viewed at Racing pigeons immediately released after entry to the European Union and Northern Ireland: certificate 8465 | gov.uk The health certificate and the schedule must be signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) appointed by the appropriate authority in Great Britain. Fulfilment of these conditions is a matter for consideration between the exporter and their OV in GB

The establishment from which the pigeons originate must be registered with the Competent Authority in Great Britain.

The Export health certificate includes assurance requirements for Avian Influenza, and Newcastle Disease

Cleaning and disinfection the transport vehicle must be cleansed so as to remove all visible organic matter. It must be disinfected with a disinfectant approved by Defra prior to loading of the animals. During transport the means of transport must only contain Racing Pigeons.

7.3. Welfare during transport requirements

This journey is classed as a commercial transport and as such, all requirements under ‘The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006’ and Council Regulation EC 1/2005 must be complied with. Further guidance on these requirements is available via the following links:

8. Captive bird movements for the purpose of conservation programmes to confined establishments

8.1. Disease control movement requirements

Premises registration The exporting establishment must be approved by the competent authority in GB as a confined captive bird establishment.

The importing establishment in NI must be approved as either a confined establishment or a balai establishment. At present, DAERA continues to recognise historically approved balai registration numbers until a confined establishment approval process is operational in NI. The importing NI confined establishment must also have a valid NIEA issued zoo licence in place. BCSGeneral@daera-ni.gov.uk can be contacted for further information on this licence

Export health certificate Captive birds moved for the purpose of conservation programmes between confined establishments from GB to NI are subject to an import licence and export health certificate (EHC). The necessary health certificate and the conditions therein required for movement from GB to NI can be viewed at Export captive birds for conservation programmes to Northern Ireland: certificate 9104 | gov.uk. The health certificate must be signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) appointed by the appropriate authority in Great Britain. Fulfilment of these conditions is a matter for consideration between the exporter and their OV in GB

Import licence An import licence must be applied for using this application form by emailing the fully and accurately completed form to daeratradeimports@daera-ni.gov.uk at least 10 days prior to intended movement. The establishment approval numbers must be registered on TRACES NT. The import licence will state the conditions under which the movement into NI is permitted.

Port of entry Landing must take place at either the port of Larne or the Port of Belfast and the person in charge of the animals must report immediately following disembarkation to a Portal Inspector and must co-operate with DAERA staff as required. Animals may not leave the Port until a Portal Inspector has authorised such departure. Point of entry listings are available at Northern Ireland Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Inspection Facilities listings.

Pre-notification All consignments must be pre-notified to DAERA at either Larne or Belfast Port at least 24 hours before arrival on TRACES-NT using a CHED-A. The importer or person responsible for the consignment must be registered on TRACES NT before the movement can take place. Guidance on TRACES NT registration, pre-notification and CHED A completion can be found Getting started | webgate.ec.europa.eu and PART I – Dispatched Consignment | webgate.ec.europa.eu.

8.2. Useful Links

CITES: Guidance on requirements is available at Import or export endangered species: check if you need a CITES permit | gov.uk

Dangerous Wild Animals: Guidance is available at Dangerous wild animals

Invasive Alien Species: Guidance is available at EU Invasive alien species, Invasive AlienSpecies (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2019 Frequently Asked Questions | invasivespeciesni.co.uk and EU list of Union Concern | invasivespeciesni.co.uk

Northern Ireland Online Tariff: Look up commodity codes, duty and VAT rates - GOV.UK (trade-tariff.service.gov.uk)

9. Zoo and/or exotic animal species, including primates

9.1. Disease control movement requirements

Export health certificate Animals intended for confined establishments or exotic species intended for movement into NI from GB are subject to an import licence and export health certificate (EHC). The available EHC's for these type of movements are listed and available at Find an export health certificate | gov.uk.

Import licence An import licence must be applied for using the application form available at Application form for imports of live animals by emailing the fully and accurately completed form to daeratradeimports@daera-ni.gov.uk at least 10 days prior to intended movement. The establishment approval numbers must be registered on TRACES NT.

The import licence will state the conditions under which the movement into NI is permitted.

Port of entry Depending on the species, landing must take place at either the Port of Larne or the Port of Belfast and the person in charge of the animals must report immediately following disembarkation to a Portal Inspector and must 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 must be pre-notified to DAERA at either Larne or Belfast Port at least 24 hours before arrival on TRACES-NT using a CHED-A. The importer or person responsible for the consignment must be registered on TRACES NT before the movement can take place. Guidance on TRACES NT registration, pre-notification and CHED A completion can be found at Getting started | webgate.ec.europa.eu and PART I – Dispatched Consignment | webgate.ec.europa.eu.

At present, DAERA continues to recognise historically approved balai registration numbers until a confined establishment approval process is operational in NI.

9.2. Useful links

CITES: Guidance on requirements is available at Import or export endangered species: check if you need a CITES permit | gov.uk

Dangerous Wild Animals: Guidance is available at Dangerous wild animals

Invasive Alien Species: Guidance is available at EU Invasive alien species, Invasive AlienSpecies (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2019 Frequently Asked Questions | invasivespeciesni.co.uk and EU list of Union Concern | invasivespeciesni.co.uk

Northern Ireland Online Tariff: Look up commodity codes, duty and VAT rates - GOV.UK (trade-tariff.service.gov.uk)

10. Non-commercial movement of pet rodents and rabbits

The current National Health Certificate for the movement of pet rabbits and rodents from Great Britain can be found at Movement of pet rabbits and rodents from GB.

You should contact an Official Veterinarian(OV) in the exporting country for completion of the national health certificate.

11. Commercial movements of rodents, hyraxes, xenarthra, eulipotyphyla, marsupials and dermoptera to premises not approved under the Balai directive or not listed as a confined establishment

11.1. Disease control movement requirements

Port of entry Landing must take place at either the Port of Larne or the Port of Belfast and the person in charge of the animals must report immediately following disembarkation to a Portal Inspector and must 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 rodents must be pre-notified to DAERA at either Larne or Belfast Port at least 24 hours before arrival on TRACES-NT using a CHED-A. The importer or person responsible for the consignment must be registered on TRACES NT before the movement can take place. Guidance on TRACES NT registration, pre-notification and CHED A completion completion can be found at Getting started | webgate.ec.europa.eu and PART I – Dispatched Consignment | webgate.ec.europa.eu.

Import licence and export health certificate Please note, for zoo or exotic species, an import licence must be applied for, as described under section 5 of this page. The necessary health certificate EHC 8646 and the conditions therein required for export from GB to NI can be viewed at Export live rodents, hyraxes, xenarthra, eulipotyphyla, marsupials and dermoptera to Northern Ireland: certificate 8646 | gov.uk. The health certificate must certify that, within 48 hours of export to NI all the animals described on the health certificate were examined and found to be healthy, free from clinical evidence of infectious or contagious disease and were fit to travel. The health certificate and the schedule must be signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) appointed by the appropriate authority in Great Britain.

In order to sign the certificate the OV will need a written declaration from the importer or person responsible for the consignment that the animals will not be released into the wild at any time in Northern Ireland.

Fulfilment of these conditions is a matter for consideration between the exporter and their OV in GB

GB residency The animals have either remained in GB since birth, or if they were imported into GB either directly from an EU Member State or from a third country under the conditions at least as strict as those set out in the certificate.

Cleaning and disinfection The transport vehicle must be cleansed so as to remove all visible organic matter. It must be disinfected with a disinfectant approved by Defra prior to loading of the animals. During transport the imported animals must not come into contact with animals that are not certified as being of the same health status.

11.2. Welfare during transport requirements

Where the journey is classed as a commercial transport, all requirements under ‘The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006’ and Council Regulation EC 1/2005 must be complied with. Further guidance on these requirements is available via the following links:

11.3. Useful links

CITES: Guidance on requirements is available at Import or export endangered species: check if you need a CITES permit | gov.uk

Dangerous Wild Animals: Guidance is available at Dangerous wild animals

Invasive Alien Species: Guidance is available at EU Invasive alien species, Invasive AlienSpecies (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2019 Frequently Asked Questions | invasivespeciesni.co.uk and EU list of Union Concern | invasivespeciesni.co.uk

Northern Ireland Online Tariff: Look up commodity codes, duty and VAT rates - GOV.UK (trade-tariff.service.gov.uk)

 

12. Commercial and non-commercial movements of invertebrates/reptiles/amphibians

Detailed guidance on the movement requirements is available at Imports of reptiles, tortoises, snakes and insects

12.1. Useful links

CITES: Guidance on requirements is available at Import or export endangered species: check if you need a CITES permit | gov.uk

Dangerous Wild Animals: Guidance is available at Dangerous wild animals

Invasive Alien Species: Guidance is available at EU Invasive alien species, Invasive AlienSpecies (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2019 Frequently Asked Questions | invasivespeciesni.co.uk and EU list of Union Concern | invasivespeciesni.co.uk

Northern Ireland Online Tariff: Look up commodity codes, duty and VAT rates - GOV.UK (trade-tariff.service.gov.uk)

 

13. Movements of ornamental fish

Detailed guidance on the movement requirements is available at Imports of Aquaculture live fish, including live ornamental fish, shellfish and trout eggs into Northern Ireland from outside the European Union

14. Commercial movements of live amphibians

14.1. Identification requirements

Transponder or other means of identification. Individual identification must be used wherever possible, but in the case of small animals batch identification may be used. A clear link between the live animals and the health certificate must be established. CITES requirements may indicate the type of identification required

14.2. Disease control movement requirements

Port of entry Landing must take place at either the Port of Larne or the Port of Belfast and the person in charge of the animals must report immediately following disembarkation to a Portal Inspector and must 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 amphibians must be pre-notified to DAERA at either Larne or Belfast Port at least 24 hours before arrival on TRACES-NT using a CHED-A. The importer or person responsible for the consignment must be registered on TRACES NT before the movement can take place. Guidance on TRACES NT registration, pre-notification and CHED A completion can be found at Getting started | webgate.ec.europa.eu and PART I – Dispatched Consignment | webgate.ec.europa.eu.

Export health certificate The necessary health certificate and the conditions therein required for export from GB to NI can be viewed at Export of live amphibians to Northern Ireland : certificate 8645 | gov.uk. The health certificate must certify that, within 48 hours of export to NI all the animals described on the health certificate were examined and found to be healthy, free from clinical evidence of infectious or contagious disease and were fit to travel.  The health certificate and the schedule must be signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) appointed by the appropriate authority in Great Britain.

In order to sign the certificate the OV will need a written declaration from the importer or person responsible for the consignment that the animals will not be released into the wild at any time in Northern Ireland.

Fulfilment of these conditions is a matter for consideration between the exporter and their OV in GB.

Cleaning and disinfection The transport vehicle must be cleansed so as to remove all visible organic matter. It must be disinfected with a disinfectant approved by Defra prior to loading of the animals. During transport the imported animals must not come into contact with animals that are not certified as being of the same health status.

14.3. Welfare during transport requirements

Where the journey is classed as a commercial transport, all requirements under ‘The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006’ and Council Regulation EC 1/2005 must be complied with. Further guidance on these requirements is available via the following links:

14.4. Useful links

CITES: Guidance on requirements is available at Import or export endangered species: check if you need a CITES permit | gov.uk

Dangerous Wild Animals: Guidance is available at Dangerous wild animals

Invasive Alien Species: Guidance is available at EU Invasive alien species, Invasive AlienSpecies (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2019 Frequently Asked Questions | invasivespeciesni.co.uk and EU list of Union Concern | invasivespeciesni.co.uk

Northern Ireland Online Tariff: Look up commodity codes, duty and VAT rates - GOV.UK (trade-tariff.service.gov.uk)

 

15. Commercial movements of live lagomorphs to premises not approved under the Balai directive or not listed as confined establishments

15.1. Disease control movement requirements

Port of entry Landing must take place at either the Port of Larne or the Port of Belfast and the person in charge of the animals must report immediately following disembarkation to a Portal Inspector and must 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 amphibians must be pre-notified to DAERA at either Larne or Belfast Port at least 24 hours before arrival on TRACES-NT using a CHED-A. The importer or person responsible for the consignment must be registered on TRACES NT before the movement can take place. Guidance on TRACES NT registration, pre-notification and CHED A completion can be found here and here

Export health certificate The animals to be imported must be accompanied by an original health certificate EHC 8644. The necessary health certificate and the conditions therein required for export from GB to NI can be viewed here. The health certificate must certify that, within 48 hours of export to NI all the animals described on the health certificate were examined and found to be healthy, free from clinical evidence of infectious or contagious disease and were fit to travel.  The health certificate and the schedule must be signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) appointed by the appropriate authority in Great Britain.

In order to sign the certificate the OV will need a written declaration from the importer or person responsible for the consignment that the animals will not be released into the wild at any time in Northern Ireland.

Fulfilment of these conditions is a matter for consideration between the exporter and their OV in GB

Cleaning and disinfection The transport vehicle must be cleansed so as to remove all visible organic matter. It must be disinfected with a disinfectant approved by Defra prior to loading of the animals. During transport the imported animals must not come into contact with animals that are not certified as being of the same health status.

15.2. Welfare during transport requirements

Welfare during transport requirement: This journey is classed as a commercial transport and as such, all requirements under ‘The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006’ and Council Regulation EC 1/2005 must be complied with. Further guidance on these requirements is available via the following links:

16. Animal movements for scientific purposes

In line with Article 3 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2122 DAERA may exempt invertebrates intended for scientific purposes such as research, educational activities or research related to product development activities from official controls at border control posts provided they are accompanied by a valid DAERA issued import authorisation (import licence).

To apply for authorisation you should complete the application form for imports of Laboratory Animals/Animal Products available at Application form for imports of Laboratory Animals, Animal products and by-products and return this ideally 10 days in advance of the intended date of import via email to daeratradeimports@daera-ni.gov.uk ensuring you provide as much information as possible about the consignment. If accepted, an import licence will be issued authorising the movement which will outline the specific import requirements. 

This exemption does not apply to honeybees (Apis mellifera), bumble bees (Bombus spp.), molluscs belonging to the phylum Mollusca and crustaceans belonging to the subphylum Crustacea.

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