Import and export of horses

Exporting to an EU country (not UK or Republic of Ireland)

All horses, ponies and donkeys need to have:

• a valid horse passport with a completed Section IX
• been certified by an official veterinarian (OV) for export who has seen the passport
• either a valid export health certificate or a valid commercial document (DOCOM) issued by an approved Tri-Partite Agreement (TPA) body
• Horse owner's declaration form

Health certificate

Exporters apply to the Department of the Environment for an export health certificate by completing and returning the form, allowing 10 working days for processing.

The fee for 2020 is £64.00

Export health certificate application form

Guidance notes to help complete the export health certificate are on the DEFRA website.

TPA

The TPA is a formal agreement between Ireland, United Kingdom (includes Channel Islands) and France, which allows certain categories of horses to move between these three countries without prior inspection or certification.

EU travel from January 2021

From 1 January 2021 there will be changes to the animal health requirements to enter the EU. More information about these changes will be provided later this year when additional preparations will need to be made.

Currently no specific equine health certificate has been agreed. However, it will become a requirement for all equines to travel to the EU with an Export Health Certificate and enter the EU via a Border Control Post (BCP) when a listing is agreed, as well as the relevant certificate.

There may also be a requirement for additional blood tests to be carried out within 30 days of travel to the EU. Total preparation time may take up to 6 weeks.

Exporting to Guernsey

A general licence to import is available, contact the Guernsey Commerce and Employment Department on +44 (0) 1481 234567.

Exporting to the UK and Republic of Ireland

A valid passport is always required for travel to the UK and Republic of Ireland.

UK authorities (DEFRA) advise that you contact them.  You can apply for a horse passport online on the GOV.UK website.

Exporting to a non-EU country

Contact the Department of the Environment.

Importing from the UK and Republic of Ireland

You need a valid passport.

Importing from an EU Member State (other than from UK, Republic of Ireland)

You need a valid health certificate and a valid passport.

From France only, for eligible horses, a valid DOCOM may replace a valid health certificate

Importing from outside the EU

For non-EU Countries contact the Department of the Environment.

While the department will endeavour to help, it is the exporter's responsibility to meet requirements of the importing country.

GST

If you import a horse for long-term personal use you are liable for GST. Contact Customs and Excise for relevant forms and fees.

Travelling with a trailer or horse box in the EU

If you are travelling in the EU with a trailer or horse box you can voluntarily register it with DVS for £30. There is no obligation to register but it may reduce your time at EU borders.