International trade: Importer Information Note (IIN) for the importation of pet birds from other EU Member States into England (IIN A/11)
Contents
- Important
- Introduction
- Conditions applicable to imports from EU Member States and some other European countries
- Contact for further information
- Caution
Important
i. These notes explain the conditions which apply to imports of pet birds from other EU Member States and Andorra, Croatia, the Faeroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City State into England.
ii. These notes should be read in conjunction with the notes describing the veterinary checks applicable to all live animals and genetic material imported into Great Britain (Importer Information Note IIN A/1).
iii. These notes are for guidance only. They do not give comprehensive coverage of all conditions laid down in EU and national legislation and have no legal force. Importers must satisfy themselves that birds are imported in accordance with all the relevant legislation. The authoritative legal position can be found in the appropriate national legislation and European Community Directives and Decisions
iv. Personal data may be stored and processed by Defra on computer systems. Defra complies with the standards set by the Data Protection Act
- NB: These notes may not cover situations where emergency safeguard action has been taken, e.g. to prohibit the importation of certain animals from certain countries following an outbreak of serious disease in those countries. Importers are advised to contact the Department to check if any safeguard action has been taken in relation to the animals/country of origin. Further information can be found on our Customer Information Notes (CIN) and Declarations webpages.
Introduction
1. “Pet birds” are considered to be all species of birds (except poultry as detailed below) which are accompanying their owners, or a natural person responsible for such animals on behalf of the owner during their movement, and are not intended to be sold or transferred to another owner.
2. “Poultry” is defined in Council Directives 90/539/EEC (as amended) as fowl, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons (not racing pigeons), partridges and ratites. These species are not permitted to be imported as “pet birds” but must instead meet the requirements laid down in Community law for imports of live poultry (see IIN A/6).
3. “Movement” means any movement of a pet animal between Member States or its entry or re-entry into the territory of the Community from a Third Country.
4. For guidance on importing non-pet birds, live poultry and other animals and products please see the relevant Importer Information Notes (IINs) available on the Defra website.
5. 5 pet birds or fewer moved into the UK do not need to be accompanied by a licence, serve home quarantine upon arrival or have any inspection visits by a Local Veterinary Inspector (LVI).
Conditions applicable to imports from EU Member States and some other European countries
6. Five or fewer pet birds may be imported per person, or a natural person responsible for the pet birds.
7. Pet birds from other EU Member States, Andorra, Croatia, the Faeroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City State can enter the UK through any port/airport.
8. No pet birds imported can be for re-sale or other commercial purposes. To import commercial birds from other countries please see the relevant “captive bird” IINs on our website.
Contact for further information
9. For information about intra-Community trade or imports of live birds, or other animals and animal derived products, please contact:
Animal Health Import Team
Government Offices
Beeches Road
Chelmsford
Essex CM1 2RU
Tel: 01245 358383
E-mail: AHITchelmsford@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk
Caution
1. Whilst every attempt is made to keep this information note current, import conditions may change, and importers are responsible for checking the current status of the requirements. Safeguard measures which prohibit imports from countries affected by animal diseases, or other public or animal health hazards can prohibit or restrict import at very short notice. Requirements can be checked on the international trade declarations page of the Defra website. Outbreaks and procedure information can also be found in our Customer Information Notes (CINs).
Alternatively, amendments to EU legislation are available on the Commission website.
Community legislation – consolidated texts
2. Consolidated texts, which integrate the basic instruments of Community legislation with their amendments and corrections in a single, non-official document, are available on the Commission website. Each consolidated text contains a list of all legal documents taken into account for its construction. Therefore, a comparison with the data in the 'Directory of Community legislation in force' will allow users to easily check how up to date the consolidated text is. Texts provided in this section are intended for information only. Please note that these texts have no legal value. For legal purposes please refer to the texts published in the 'Official Journal of the European Communities'.
3. Importers should note that the information given relates only to animal health conditions of import. It does not give guidance on other controls which may need to be met. An information page, giving details of other organisations which importers may need to consult, is available.
Page last modified:
1 August, 2007
Page published: 9 June, 2006