International trade: Importer Information Notes - BAL LIVE 8
- Important
- Pet invertebrates (except bees & crustaceans)
- Imports from countries outside of the EU
- Protection of Endangered Species
- Contacts
Important
(i). These notes explain the import conditions that apply to imports of some animals into the UK from outside of the European Union (EU) and from other EU Member States.
(ii). These notes should be read in conjunction with the notes describing the veterinary checks applicable to all live animals imported into Great Britain (GB) (General IIN A/1) 
(465 KB)
(iii). These notes are for guidance only. They do not give a comprehensive coverage of all conditions laid down in EU and national legislation and have no legal force
- Disclaimer: These notes do 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. Customer Information Notes (CINs) are issued in cases of disease outbreak and importers are advised to contact the Department to check if any safeguard action has been taken in relation to the animals/country of origin.
Pet invertebrates (except bees & crustaceans)
Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone, e.g. ants, beetles & worms. There are no animal health import requirements for pet invertebrates. These animals can be brought into the UK as long as they are accompanied by their owner and a letter from a vet or the owner saying that the animals are fit and healthy to complete the journey.
- Note: Many invertebrates have the potential to
be serious plant pests in Europe, and are therefore prohibited under plant
health rules. A summary of these
(640 KB) can be found on the plant health pages of the Defra website.
Currently, there is no limit on the number of pet invertebrates that an owner can bring into the UK.
Pet crustaceans
For information on importing pet fish you should contact CEFAS (The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science). You can view their website or you can email them at fish.health.inspectorate@cefas.co.uk.
Pet bees
You can find information on importing bees on the Defra website.
Pet reptiles
Reptiles are cold-blooded, egg-laying vertebrates, e.g. snakes and tortoises.
There are no animal health import requirements for pet reptiles. These animals can be brought into the UK as long as they are accompanied by their owner and a letter from a vet or the owner stating that the animals are fit and healthy to complete the journey.
Pet amphibians
Amphibians are animals that live on land and breed in water, e.g. frogs and toads.
There are no animal health import requirements for pet amphibians. These animals can be brought into the UK as long as they are accompanied by their owner and a letter from a vet or the owner saying that the animals are fit and healthy to complete the journey.
Currently, there is no limit on the number of pet amphibians that an owner can bring into the UK.
Imports from countries outside of the EU
Any imports from non-EU Member States into the UK must be via a Border Inspection Post (BIP).
You must give 24 hours prior notice by a Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVED) which can be obtained from your local Animal Health Divisional Office or BIP. Part 1 must be completed and returned to the BIP of entry into the EU.
Protection of Endangered Species
Pet owners are encouraged to contact Animal Health’s CITES team to check whether they are required to obtain any permits or documentation relating to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). If you need further information you should visit the CITES website.
Contacts
Animal Health Import Team
Tel: 01245 358383
E-mail: AHITchelmsford@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk
Page last modified:
27 March, 2009