Exporting Horses to the EU after 1st January 2021
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It will be necessary to plan ahead if you wish to transport horses into the EU (including Republic of Ireland (ROI)) and Northern Ireland (NI) after 1st January 2021.
Now that the UK is no longer a part of the EU, the process for exporting horses from the UK to the EU (including the ROI) and NI has become much more complicated and you will need to start planning your export well in advance.
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Horses are no longer able to travel on DOCOMs or under the TPA to France and Ireland and will require Export Health Certificates (EHCs), as they already do to travel to most other EU countries and the rest of the world. It is expected that all requirements for export to the EU will be reciprocated for horses being imported from the EU into the UK.
Since our last update, the EU has confirmed that they will recognise all UK studbooks. However, if your horse has a passport issued by a PIO which is NOT either the FEI or a recognised studbook, your horse will have to travel as an unregistered horse.
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Please note the following:
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The requirements for registered and unregistered horses are different.
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The requirements for temporary and permanent export of registered horses are different. Horses for permanent export will travel on 8335EHC and horses for temporary export will travel on 8336EHC.
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Temporary Export (less than 90 days) of horses with a passport issued by the FEI or a recognised studbook, for example horses travelling to race/compete (‘registered horses’)
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Blood sample for Coggins test (EIA) with negative result within 90 days of travel. This must be tested at APHA Weybridge. This test currently runs every day with results the following day
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Stallions/colts over 180 days of age must also have a blood sample tested for EVA with a negative result within 21 days of travel. This test must also be done at APHA Weybridge. This test is currently run on a Tuesday and Thursday and takes a minimum of 4 days (up to 12 days) to get a result.
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The horse must be kept on a holding under veterinary supervision in GB, the EU or a country with a similar health status as the UK (Sanitary Group A) for 40 days.
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In the 15 days prior to export, the horse must have no contact with animals suffering from infectious diseases transmissible to equidae.
Permanent export of ‘registered horses’ and temporary or permanent export of ‘unregistered horses’.
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Blood sample for Coggins test (EIA) with negative result within 30 days of travel. This must be tested at APHA, Weybridge (as above)
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Stallions/colts over 180 days of age must also have a blood test for EVA with negative result within 21 days of travel. This must be tested at APHA, Weybridge (as above)
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The horse must be isolated from all horses of a lesser health status (ie from different premises or which have not had negative blood tests) for at least 30 days. It must not be turned out with or stabled next to horses of lesser health status.
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The horse must be kept on a holding in GB or a country with a similar health status which is under veterinary supervision for 90 days , or since birth if under 90 days, or since its entry into GB if the horse was moved directly from the EU less than 90 days before export.
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In the 15 days prior to export, the horse must have no contact with animals suffering from infectious diseases transmissible to equidae.
All registered and unregistered equidae must travel with their passport. Unregistered equidae will also require an equine id document.
It is worth noting that being under veterinary supervision does not mean that a vet has to see the horse every day, but the vet must be aware that the horse is on the yard and also be aware of any diseases that might occur on the yard. The vet must be familiar with the way the yard works and be confident enough with management to be able to certify the papers.
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Entry into the EU
Consignments of registered equidae will have to enter the EU through a border control post (BCP) designated by the EU for horses. Unregistered horses will have to use a BCP designated for ungulates.
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This information was updated on 28th February 2022