International trade: Importer Information Notes - Conditions of import for Processed Feathers
Note.
Feathers may remain attached to the original skin for presentational or packaging purposes, where the area of skin is limited to that necessary to hold the feathers. The skin must be free of extraneous tissue and must be subjected to the same treatment as the feathers. Any treated feathers with more tissue than skin attached will be considered as a game trophy. Import conditions for game trophies can be found here.
1. Permitted imports – subject to veterinary checks at a BIP. (see section 7)
Treated feathers that are category 3 material referred to in Article 6 (1) (c) or (k) of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 as amended and treated fathers of wild living birds which are not suspected of being infected with disease communicable to humans or animal
2. Permitted imports – not subject to veterinary checks at a BIP
Treated *decorative feathers, feathers carried by travellers for their private use or consignments of treated feathers sent to private individuals for non *industrial purposes
* Decorative Feathers
Feathers that have been cleaned and treated to make them ready for use as a decoration or for inclusion in decorative objects without further treatment or preparation. Such uses might include room decorations, fancy goods, feather boas, broaches and other personal adornments.
* Industrial use feathers
For feathers or parts of feathers "industrial purposes" means any process of manufacturing resulting in the production of products for commercial gain. Such products might include technical products, soil improvers, animal nutrients, sleeping quilts and pillows, fishing flies]
3. Non Permitted imports
Raw/untreated feathers or parts of feathers.
Treated feathers derived from birds suspected of being infected with disease communicable to humans or animal
4. Country of origin
All third countries (countries outside the European Union (EU)).
5. Current acceptable treatments agreed with OIE
Feathers must be treated by one of the methods listed below or by an equivalent treatment agreed in advance by the competent authority.
1) Cleaned by a steam current
2) Methyl-bromide fumigation for 24 hours @ 19°C (concentration = 6 lbs methyl-bromide/1161 cubic feet)
3) 40% formaldehyde and potassium permanganate 24 hours at room temperature, 22°C/24°C
4) 10% formalin soaked for 4. -4.5 hours
5) HCI acid solution for 1 hour at 52°C
6) Hydrogen peroxide for 3 hours
6. Required documentation
A commercial document or health certificate outlining a treatment specified in point 5. The commercial document or health certificate must clearly identify the consignment (e.g shipping marks), container number in which it is transported (if available), name of Importer/person responsible for the load, delivery address of the feathers in the EU, quantity of feathers and place of origin
7. Veterinary checks (see section 1)
Consignments may only be imported through an approved EU Border Inspection Post (BIP). Following satisfactory checks at the BIP, consignments may then circulate freely within the EU.
Consignments must be pre-notified, in accordance with the Products of Animal Origin (Third Country Imports) Regulations, to the relevant BIP before arrival in the country, by completion of Part I of the Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVED) or by electronic means as agreed with the Border Inspection Post competent authority.
8. By-products requirements
The requirements contained in this document only apply to the import of the product. Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 as amended also lays down requirements following entry. Animal by-products must be treated in accordance with the above Regulation. Further information can be found in the Regulation or importers can check the Defra website.
Caution
1. Consignments presented for import at a UK BIP (see section 7) 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 Community.
2. While 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.
Alternatively you can keep up to date with amendments to legislation by checking the Commission website.
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.
Contact for general information on import requirements
Chelmsford Animal Health Divisional Office
Beeches Road
Chelmsford
CM1 2RU
Tel: 01245 358383
Fax: 01245 351162
Email: AH.Chelmsford@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk
Page last modified:
22 May, 2008
Page published: 2 August 2007