Journey Logs
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This page provides information on the requirement for a Journey Log (JL) when transporting live animals of certain species on long journeys (over 8 hours) from NI to EU Member States and Third Countries.
An approved JL is required for these journeys for
- cattle, sheep, pigs or goats
- unregistered domestic horses or other equines
However, a JL is not required for journeys over 8 hours from NI to GB unless the journey transits the ROI.
DAERA currently operate a dual JL approval system. This means you must obtain both of the following:
- a paper JL approved using the normal DAERA application process
- create an on-line JL on Traces NT (TNT).
It is not acceptable to just complete the JL application on TNT. Any transport from NI which requires a JL should have an approved paper copy JL issued by DAERA.
Paper Journey Log Application
We recommend that Journey Logs (JLs) are submitted to the DAERA Direct Office at least 5 working days prior to the date of departure to ensure there is sufficient time to process and address any issues. If received after this there is a risk of the JL not being approved before the proposed departure date.
Any local DAERA Direct Office may be contacted however, Dungannon and Mallusk DAERA Direct Offices are responsible for processing, and we recommend that JL applications are sent to them directly to minimise potential delays. These two offices have responsibility for processing JLs specific to the geographic area / DAERA Direct office in which the journey will begin. This is split by the office network as follows:
- Dungannon - Armagh, Enniskillen, Newry, Omagh.
- Mallusk - Ballymena, Coleraine, Strabane, Newtownards, Magherafelt and Downpatrick.
Links to the JL application form and guidance notes can be found at the bottom of this page. A list of the DAERA Direct Offices can be accessed at this link: DAERA Direct Regional Offices.
JL Application on Traces NT
Export health certificates for intra-community (EU) trade of live animals are applied for on web-based service TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System). TRACES Classic has been replaced by TRACES NT (TNT) and this introduced compulsory completion of an on-line JL within TNT. It is the responsibility of the transporter/journey organiser to create and complete the JL application. In order to be able to do this, they will need to create an EU Login account, register on TNT and request a user role. Please note that it is not the responsibility of DAERA staff or your Authorised Private Veterinary Practitioner (aPVP) to create a Journey Log.
For help and guidance on getting registered on TNT and how to create and update the JL please refer to the Journey Log user guide amended for NI users available via the DAERA website: TRACES NT – Animal Journey Log user guide – amended for NI users.
Full functionality to allow completion of all sections of a JL is not yet available on TNT. At present only Section 1 can be completed. This should be completed by the transporter/journey organiser to allow the Export Health Certificate on TNT to be validated. You should continue to use the normal DAERA application process for a paper JL approval.