Transporting live animals to the EU after EU exit
In the event of a no deal scenario, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) wishes to draw your attention to the status of livestock transport authorisations and what you will need to do in order to continue to export live animals to the European Union (EU) after Day 1.
In January 2018, the EU Commission confirmed that, in the event of a no deal scenario when the UK exits the EU, they will no longer accept Transporter Authorisation, Certificates of Competence or Vehicle Approval Certificates issued by a UK authority.
The notice can be found here:
The UK Government has been working to ensure this information is communicated to all relevant stakeholders and have published a Technical Notice, which can be viewed here: Exporting Animals and animal products if there’s no Brexit deal
In the event of a no deal scenario, any transporter wishing to transport live animals into the EU will need to obtain new transport documentation issued by one of the EU27 Member States.
DAERA approved transporters wishing to transport live animals in the EU would need to appoint a representative within an EU country and apply to their relevant Government department to obtain a valid Transporter Authorisation, Certificate of Competence, Vehicle Approval Certificate and, where necessary, a Journey Log.
Journey logs may need to be obtained, where necessary, from DAERA for the part of the journey in the UK and also from the EU country that is the initial point of entry into the EU.
DAERA-issued transport documentation would remain valid for transport within the UK only.
If you have any queries on the content of this note, please contact the Department using the Animal Welfare in Transport policy mailbox: WITPolicy@daera-ni.gov.uk.
Relevant legislation
- Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations
- The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 as amended.
Who does this affect?
The EU Regulation covers the transport of all live vertebrate animals (excluding humans) within the EU that takes place in connection with an economic activity. The vertebrate family includes all creatures which are mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.
Those involved in economic activity will include, farmers, livestock hauliers, those who move domestic equines in connection with professional riding, livery, stabling, those involved in commercial pet breeding or racing (e.g. dog racing), or those moving animals used in films, zoos and leisure parks.
The EU Regulation does not apply to the transport of animals when this is not in connection with an economic activity or to the transport of non-vertebrate animals.
Guidance on the rules
The main guidance on the welfare of animals during transport is a living document that will develop in light of experience implementing the regulation and is available using the following link:
Transporter authorisation
If you transport animals in connection with an economic activity for distances over 65 km (approx 40 miles) you will need a valid transporter authorisation. The application forms and guidance notes are below depending on the length of journey.
- Authorisation application form for journeys over 65km and up to 8 hours
- Authorisation application form for all journeys over 8 hours
Competence certification
All drivers and attendants of animals being transported on journeys of over 65 km are required to have been assessed for competence. For those who travel on short journeys there is a theory test, and for those who travel on long journeys there is an additional practical test. You are required to possess a competence certificate before you apply for transporter authorisation.
Details of how to gain competence certificates can be found in our general guidance on competence training and assessment.
The competence required is specific to the role of the person involved, and frameworks giving details can be found using the following links:
Vehicle approval
The Regulation requires that from 5 January 2007 vehicles used for transporting animals on long journeys (those in excess of 8 hours) must be inspected and approved by the competent authority of a Member State or a body designated by a Member State. To arrange an inspection, use the form below.
Journey logs
A journey log is required for journeys of livestock and unregistered horses on long journeys (over 8 hours) to Member States and third countries.
Technical and detailed guidance
Technical and detailed guidance exploring in more depth some of the requirements of the Regulations is also available:
- Fitness for transport guidance notes
- Transporting animals by air
- Shipping farm livestock and horses in containers
- Animal shipments on Roll-on Roll-off vessels