Importer Information Note (IIN) for the importation of live poultry from Third Countries (countries outside the EU) into England (IIN A/7)
Contents
- Important
- Introduction
- Approved Third Country
- Health certification
- Conditions applicable to imports from Norway and Switzerland
- Welfare of animals during transport
- Contact for information
- Caution
Important
i. These notes explain the conditions which apply to imports of live poultry from specified Third Countries (countries outside the EU) 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 England (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 poultry is 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. Specimen copies of model health certificates referred to in this note can be sent to traders or importers on request.
v. 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. Outbreaks and procedure information can be found in our Customer Information Notes (CINs) and within our Declarations website.
Introduction
1. “Poultry” is defined in Council Directive 90/539/EEC (as amended) as fowls, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, pheasants, partridges and ratites reared or kept in captivity for breeding, the production of meat or eggs for consumption, or for re-stocking supplies of game.
2. Poultry imports from Third Countries must comply with the rules laid down in Council Directive 90/539/EEC (as amended).
3. Council Directive 90/539/EEC, and this note, do not apply to the importation of poultry for exhibitions, shows or contests. Poultry for exhibition, show or contest must meet the requirements for captive birds as detailed in Importer Information Note IIN A/10.
4. For guidance on importing other birds and animals, and animal derived products, please see the relevant Importer Information Notes (IINs).
Approved Third Country
5. In accordance with the requirements of Directive 90/539/EEC (as amended) the European Community has drawn up a list of Third Countries from which EU Member States may import poultry. Member States are not permitted to allow imports of poultry from countries not on the list.
6. The approved Third Country list for live poultry imports can be found in Annex I Part I of Commission Decision 2006/696/EC. The approved list has been amended by Commission Decision 2007/843.
Health certification
7. Consignments must be accompanied by health certification, signed by a duly authorised veterinary officer in the country of origin, in accordance with the relevant model laid down in Commission Decision 2006/696/EC. The egg certificate in Decision 2006/696 has been revised under Commission Regulation No. 1237/2007.
Conditions applicable to imports from Norway and Switzerland
8. As a signatory of the European Economic Area Agreement, Norway and Switzerland have agreed to implement EU veterinary legislation in relation to the movement of live animals and eggs between member countries. Therefore live poultry imported from Norway and Switzerland must comply with the same requirements which apply to trade within the EU. However, consignments must enter the EU through an approved Border Inspection Post (see IIN A/1).
Welfare of animals during transport
9. Importers are reminded that they must comply with rules on the welfare of animals during transport. If unfamiliar with the rules, importers should contact Defra’s Welfare Branch on 020 7904 6576 or Animal Health Welfare in Transport Section on 0845 603 8395 or visit: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare
Contact for information
10. Information regarding EU import conditions for poultry and poultry products is also available on the EU website.
For further information or guidance on importing live poultry, and other live 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. Consignments presented for import at a UK Border Inspection Post (BIP) must be accompanied by the original health certificate(s); faxed or photocopied certificates are not acceptable. The Official Veterinary Surgeon (OVS) will carry out veterinary checks (for which a charge will be levied) in accordance with EU legislation. On completion of these checks he will issue a Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVED). The CVED should accompany the consignment to the first point of destination. The OVS will retain the original certification. Consignments checked in another Member State must be accompanied by a CVED issued from the point of entry into the European Community.
2. 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 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
3. 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'.
4. 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:
20 June, 2008
Page published: 27 June, 2006