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ARCHIVE: International trade: exports of animals, animal products and germplasm to non-EU countries

Introduction

The Exports Strategy Branch of Defra's International Animal Health Division negotiate with veterinary authorities around the world to lift trade bans imposed on animal health grounds and to open new export markets. Our negotiations result in the creation of official veterinary Export Health Certificates to enable businesses and individuals to export animals and animal products from Great Britain.

Please note that the Exports Strategy Branch does not deal with any exports of live fish, fish products for human consumption, invertebrates, fruit, vegetables, plants, seeds or any products which do not contain any ingredients derived from animals or birds. You can find out more about the export documentation for these types of commodities by contacting the Defra Helpline.

Exporting animals or animal products to countries outside the EU often requires careful planning so you should start making preparations well before you export.

To export live animals, products derived from animals and genetic material (semen, ova, embryos and hatching eggs) to countries outside the EU you will need to ensure that you comply with the import regulations of the destination country.

In many cases the importing country may require that the animals or products are accompanied by an official export health certificate issued by Defra and signed by an authorised Official Veterinarian. Export health certificates may also be required for certain movements to Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands.

UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) and Export Certification User Group (ECUG)

The Export Strategy Branch holds regular meetings with key industry representatives in the form of UKECP (livestock, livestock germplasm and meat) and ECUG (poultry, skins, hides and wool) groups.

This enables us to focus our resources on establishing and maintaining the trade routes which are important to British industry.

Page last modified: 3 January, 2012
Page published: 1 June, 2006