International trade - Imports into the European Union (EU)
Most imports from countries outside the EU must be checked at approved Border Inspection Posts (BIPs), where they undergo veterinary checks before they are allowed to enter the EU.
Products and live animals generally can only be imported from countries which are on the approved third country import list for that product or animal species. Products of animal origin (POAO) usually must be from establishments approved to export to the EU. Details of approved establishments for products are available on the European Commission's website.
The European Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office are responsible for carrying out inspections of countries and the establishments that are approved to export to the EU, to ensure that they comply with EU hygiene requirements.
Imports of material for scientific research, evaluation, composite products which contain a percentage of POAO for human consumption and some animals can only be imported with an authorisation or a licence. Authorisations or licences are only issued when the product is not covered by EU law, or we have power in EU law to set specific national import conditions. Application forms are available on this site.
Imports into the EU are recorded by the EU wide Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES).
Import controls on live animals are enforced by Animal Health. Local Authorities enforce the controls on imports of POAO.
Page last modified:
April 11, 2007