ARCHIVE: International trade: Guidance for imports of animal derived products for research, education, diagnostic or museum purposes

How this will affect you

The Research Licensing Regime provides licences and authorisations for organisations or individuals to import scientific specimens comprising animal derived material for research, diagnostic, education or museum purposes. The type of research can vary and may include for example a pharmaceutical company developing a medicine, a food manufacturer doing quality testing or a university student carrying out research as part of their studies. At the end of the study, the material must be either destroyed or re-exported to a Third country. 

Material imported under this regime cannot be used for commercial purposes.  For instance, if you wish to import material to store and supply to a third party for them to carry out research, this must be done under commercial import rules.

If the product is landing in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you will need to contact the relevant Department for advice. If you need to apply for a specific licence/authorisation of if you have any queries about the use of specific or general licences/authorisations please contact us.

If you need to use a specific licence/authorisation, you must apply to the relevant department and receive it before the material is shipped. Import conditions may vary depending on the material being imported and the risk that it may present. The sender/supplier may need to provide certain documentation with the consignment. You must therefore apply as early as possible before the proposed date of import. Application for licences and authorisations are assessed on a risk basis and there is no guarantee that one will be issued.

Licences and authorisations can be issued for at least one month but can be valid for up to one year. They are usually valid for multiple consignments so you can import as much as you want whilst it is valid, but each consignment must not exceed the weight limit specified.

Page last modified: February 25, 2010
Page published: February 25, 2010